Sustainable Coexistence: Wind Energy Development and Beekeeping Prosperity—A Propensity Score Matching Approach

Mehmet Selim Yıldız, Nuray Demir, Abdulbaki Bilgic (), Adem Aksoy and Şaban Keskin
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Mehmet Selim Yıldız: Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25030, Türkiye
Nuray Demir: Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25030, Türkiye
Abdulbaki Bilgic: Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Türkiye
Adem Aksoy: Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Atatürk University, Erzurum 25030, Türkiye
Şaban Keskin: Vocational School of Health Services, Bilecik Seyh Edebali University, Bilecik 11100, Türkiye

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-33

Abstract: Beneath the promise of clean energy, the rapid rise of wind energy farms has stirred mounting concern for pollinator-dependent livelihoods—particularly in beekeeping. This study investigates the effect of wind energy farms on honey-related income using data from six provinces in Turkiye’s Aegean region and the propensity score matching method. Results show that beekeepers operating near wind energy farms experience significantly higher incomes—an average treatment gain of 45,107 TL, with treated groups earning 56,515 TL more—backed by several robust statistical evidence such as placebo and bootstrap techniques. Certain groups—such as younger, nomadic, and family-trained beekeepers, and those receiving financial support—exhibit greater resilience. The findings highlight the need for land-use strategies that balance renewable energy development with ecological and economic concerns. Introducing bee-friendly vegetation around turbines is proposed as a practical solution. This approach can foster a mutually beneficial relationship between wind energy farms and beekeeping, supporting both rural livelihoods and the broader goals of sustainable development.

Keywords: beekeeping; energy; propensity score matching; honey income; Turkiye; wind farms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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