Land Fragmentation and Land Productivity: Empirical Evidence from Land Distribution Schemes of Sri Lanka

Abstract

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The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of land fragmentation on paddy land productivity in Land distribution schemes in Sri Lanka. A t the inception, landless farmers were granted with equal sized low lands. Subsequently, the initial land allocation was sub-divided and distributed among the children. Currently, the contribution to Gross domestic product fs gradually declining. Using systematic random sample method, 935 paddy farmers were selected who were cultivating 1230 . lowland plots in Anuradhapura district in Sri Lanka. Face to face interviews were ' conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect data. The results clearly indicate that the size o f the land plot has a positive and significant effect on land productivity. The number o f plots and distance has a statistically significant and negative effect on productivity. The results suggest that land fragmentation adversely affects the land productivity. Policies and programs that lead to Increase in plot size and decrease in number of plots owned by a farmer in order to improve land productivity in land distribution schemes in Sri Lanka.