Standard Summary Project Fiche

In Konya province, commerce and industry are dominant sectors of the local economy while
agriculture is dominant sector in Karaman province. Commonly, agricultural production,
corresponding to % 25.50 of regional GDP is an important activity in the region. Specifically, it
amounts to 22% of the GDP in Konya and 51 % in Karaman. Konya province is a major center for the
production of wheat and grain in Turkey. However, agriculture sector between 1995-2001 narrowed
down by 6% although Konya NUTS II region possesses convenient land for agriculture. Furthermore,
service and manufacturing sectors grown by 1.4% and 0.2% which are still under national average
(2.3% and 2.0%) respectively.
Although the share of agriculture in total employment (62.7%) is very high, the contribution of
agriculture to the total GDP of the region (25.50%) is considerably low due to such reasons as
inefficient use of land insufficiency in irrigation, low level of agricultural productivity, fragmented
land structure.
In terms of gross domestic product per capita, both provinces are below the national average. In 2000,
Konya with a figure equal to 77% of national average ranked 38 th among all provinces, while Karaman
ranked 26 th - with 95% of the national average.
The registered rate of unemployment is only 7.05% (8.81% men, 3,99% women) but it is believed that
the real rate is considerably higher, due to a widespread failure to register. Low level of women
unemployment rate can be explained by low level of women participation to labor force.
Schooling rates for high schools in 2001/2002 were below the national average of 37% in the region
(30,1%) - Konya (30%) and Karaman (34%)-. The rates for vocational and technical high schools are
also below the national average of 21% in the region (13,7%) - Konya (13%) and Karaman (17%)-.
Selçuk University with its campus in Konya and branches in Karaman is the main institution of public
education also covering a number of research institutions.
When the socio-economic condition of the region is taken into consideration, it can be observed that
the region faces several strengths and opportunities that will contribute to the further development of
the region in the future, which are summarized below;
• Extensive and fertile land for agriculture
• Historical and cultural heritage attractive for tourism
• Well-developed commercial activities because of its advantageous geographical location for
transportation and acquisition of raw materials.
• Closeness to commercial and industrial centers and relatively easy access
• Active entrepreneurship which provoke manufacturing in recent years
• Significant improvement in urban infrastructure in Konya city center
• Existence of university
• Being convenient for construction because of low level of earthquake risk
• Existence of organized industrial zones and small industrial estates
• Active workforce and low cost of labor
• Highly qualified health services
Despite the strengths and opportunities presented above, the region has several disadvantages that
refrain the region to activate its potentials;
• High level of social and economic disparities within the region
• Lack of infrastructure and social facilities in rural areas
• Low level of woman participation to employment
• Low level of schooling rate in primary, secondary and vocational education
• Insufficient drinking water supply
• Deficiency in financial services
Project Fiche Regional development EU Programming 2004 32