Analyzing the Size of Agricultural Utilization Units and Providing the Appropriate Solutions to Land Consolidation

Given the important progress in economic activities, the agricultural sector still has a special position in the field of economy and security of society. The importance and central role of the agricultural sector in the national economy in terms of the food security, providing employment, exporting agricultural products and food industries, as well as providing raw materials for many industries are undeniable. Iran's agricultural sector has experienced positive developments over recent years, but it faces various problems and challenges. Agricultural land fragmentation is one of the main challenges of Iran's agriculture, which can affect agricultural production, rural development, labor supply, food security, and land use change. Consolidation of agricultural lands is a logical and practical solution to the changes caused by smallness and fragmentation of lands. Therefore, formulation of land integration strategies is considered as the main component of land management and prevention of land fragmentation. Thus, this study mainly aimed at providing agricultural land integration strategies, so that the planners and plan implementation officials could advance the implementation as desirable as its application to consolidate the agricultural lands. This study used SWOT analysis to find solutions for the land consolidation; in addition, library and field methods (questionnaire and interviews) were used to collect data. For this purpose, a list of strategic factors (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) was prepared based on document and library reviews and interviews with 45 experts from the headquarters and provincial departments of the Ministry of Agriculture-Jahad (MAJ), who were familiar with the subject, and by completing the questionnaires regarding the Internal Factor Evaluation (IEF) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE). The Internal and External Matrices (IEM) were used to determine the strategic position of the land consolidation. The average of the opinions received from staff and provincial experts indicated that the score for evaluating internal factors was 2.72 and for evaluating external factors was 2.94. Based on this, intersection point of internal and external matrix scores was located in the area of SO strategy, which meant that in the framework of this strategy, the land consolidation measures should be carried out using internal strengths and external opportunities. It is obvious that in order to be able to use the 8 SO strategies obtained optimally, the MAJ should pay attention to the implementation of ST, WT and WO strategies with the cooperation and participation of other authorities. The study results indicated that it was necessary to formulate a strategic and operational plan for the land consolidation according to the different dimensions and aspects of the issue. It was also found necessary to take some measures as follows: the most appropriate use of the capacities and facilities of effective external and internal organizations; formulation and implementation of supportive and encouraging laws and regulations to maintain the land use and strict supervision to prevent the land use change; improving the beneficiaries’ awareness and informing them of the economic and social results of the land consolidation; and finally, the government investment and credit provision as well as granting appropriate credit and banking facilities to the concerned farmers.