Use of Renewable Energy in Agriculture in Terms of Sustainability: Hatay/Turkey Example

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of renewable energy in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Data was obtained with a face to face survey from 120 farmers whom selected randomly from the districts of Hatay province. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to analyze whether the numerical variables fit the normal distribution or not. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for nonparametric data. The variables found to be significant in the Kruskal- Wallis test were interpreted by using the Mann-Whitney U test. It is found out that age, education level, farm size, total energy cost and income of farmers had a significant relation between groups. Also, differences were identified between farmers' opinions about the use of renewable energy sources and their agricultural practices. Energy is one of the most expensive inputs in agricultural production (especially in irrigation) in the region. The annual total energy amount of the farmers was ₺48.991,60. The total cost of energy affects farmers' information resources. Big farms have a high level of technology use. As a result, the importance of agriculture, energy, environmental protection and sustainability has been evaluated and related recommendations were developed for the region.