Assessing the effects of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity: a case study of Kaharo Sub-County

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity in Kaharo Sub-County. The objectives were to: (i) quantify the degree of land fragmentation using a Land Fragmentation Index (LFI), (ii) assess crop yield levels among smallholder farmers, and (iii) analyze the impact of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity. A mixed-methods research design was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. The findings revealed that 44 households managed a total of 149 land parcels, averaging three parcels per household, with each parcel measuring approximately 0.257 acres. The LFI was calculated at 0.097, indicating a significant level of land fragmentation in the area. Key drivers of fragmentation included inheritance practices, population pressure, and the absence of targeted land-use policies. The study also found that 97.5% of the land was user-owned, while only 2.5% was leased, and 87% of respondents were identified as peasant farmers. Comparative analysis of agricultural yield trends showed a notable decline in productivity, with higher yields recorded during the 2005–2010 period—when land was less fragmented—compared to the 2021–2024 period. Farmers attributed reduced yields to challenges associated with managing multiple small, scattered plots, including difficulties in supervision, barriers to mechanization, and increased operational costs. These findings highlight the adverse impact of land fragmentation on agricultural efficiency and underscore the need for strategic policy interventions aimed at improving land consolidation and optimizing land use in Kaharo Sub-County.