ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF LAND FRAGMENTATION ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Agriculture is a vital sector of Pakistan's economy, yet its growth is increasingly hindered by land fragmentation, which adversely affects agricultural productivity. This study aims to empirically assess the impact of land fragmentation on crop productivity in the rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data were collected from 163 farmers, and the Simpson index was employed to quantify the degree of land fragmentation. To evaluate the impact on agricultural productivity, the multiple linear regression model was utilized. The results indicate a positive relationship between land fragmentation and crop productivity, suggesting that fragmentation may drive farmers to optimize land use and management practices. These findings underscore the need for informed land use policies that address the nuances of fragmentation to enhance agricultural outcomes. The study offers valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance land distribution and agricultural efficiency.