Spatial distribution of Türkiye’s livestock products economy (1995–2020): sustainability-oriented visualization analysis

Introduction and Purpose: Livestock production plays a strategic role in Türkiye’s agricultural economy and is directly linked to food security and sustainable development goals. The aim of this study is to examine the spatial distribution of the livestock products economy in Türkiye between 1995 and 2020, visualize regional differences, and reveal long-term trends. Materials and Methods: The study utilizes province-level annual livestock product values (in thousand TL) obtained from official statistical sources. The data were analyzed through spatial methods, including choropleth maps, trend analysis, and growth rate evaluations for selected crisis years (2001, 2008, 2018, 2020). The analyses were conducted from a sustainability perspective, and regional production centers were identified. Findings: The results show that the Marmara, Aegean, and Central Anatolia regions lead in livestock product values, while the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions have recorded significant increases in recent years. Trend analysis indicates that Konya, İzmir, Erzurum, and Diyarbakır achieved the largest growth, whereas smaller provinces exhibited relatively limited increases. In terms of crisis years, the sector continued to grow except during the 2008 global financial crisis, with a notable increase observed during the 2020 pandemic. Discussion and Conclusion: Overall, Türkiye’s livestock products economy demonstrated a steady increase between 1995 and 2020. The findings suggest that while the sector is sensitive to global shocks, it remains relatively resilient to domestic crises and pandemic conditions. Spatial analyses highlight the necessity of considering regional disparities in the development of sustainable policies.