The Tragedy of the Commons Revisited: Governance Challenges in Temporary Communal Living Areas for Seasonal Agricultural Laborers in Rural Turkey

This study investigates the governance challenges of temporary communal settlements established for seasonal agricultural laborers in Turkey. Each year, over one million landless workers migrate from eastern and southeastern Anatolia to agricultural regions, residing with their families in makeshift tents near contracted farms. In response to inadequate living conditions, rural municipalities have created temporary settlements equipped with basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, and sanitation. However, the misuse and degradation of communal resources have led to a “tragedy of the commons,” resulting in infrastructure damage and exacerbating local water shortages. Consequently, municipalities began charging for utilities, but the involvement of intermediaries in payment collection introduced non-transparent practices, heightening dissatisfaction among laborers. This study draws on qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with laborers and municipal officials in three towns in Niğde Province during the 2019, 2021, and 2024 harvest seasons. The findings underscore the need for sustainable resource management and emphasize the importance of educating seasonal laborers on responsible usage. By addressing both infrastructural and social dimensions, this research contributes to broader discussions on rural sustainability and offers policy-relevant insights for improving the living conditions of migrant laborers while promoting equitable access to shared resources.