Credit Utilization and Financial Behavior in Cattle Farming: Evidence from Tokat Central District
Öz
This study was conducted to examine the socio-demographic characteristics, credit utilization structures, and financial behaviors of cattle farming enterprises operating in the central district of Tokat province, Türkiye. The primary material of the study consisted of data obtained through face-to-face surveys conducted with 169 enterprises selected by stratified sampling from 27 villages where cattle farming activities are intensive. The enterprises were classified into three groups according to herd size: 5–10, 11–30, and 31–227 head of cattle. According to the research findings, the average age of farm owners was 49 years, while their average sectoral experience was approximately 26 years. The majority of producers were primary and middle school graduates. The average annual agricultural income was calculated as 307,156 TL, and only 12% of the enterprises considered their equity capital sufficient. Most producers met their financial needs through bank loans and informal borrowing practices. Credit utilization was mainly preferred to finance feed, veterinary, and medication expenses. However, high interest rates and bureaucratic procedures were identified as the major problems associated with credit use. In addition, insurance utilization rates were found to be low, and a considerable proportion of insured producers stated that they obtained insurance primarily due to loan-related requirements. The findings indicate that although producers have access to financial instruments, they experience various limitations in financial planning, risk management, and sustainable financial decision-making processes. In this context, expanding financial awareness and farm-level financial management training programs for producers may contribute to improving the sustainability of cattle farming enterprises.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Cattle farming, Credit utilization, Financial behavior, Tokat, Agricultural finance
Kaynakça
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