Farmers’ Concerns on Land Consolidation

In recent decades, rural areas in Türkiye have undergone significant transformations driven by global economic shifts and new agricultural policies. The impact of these reforms has brought uncertainty and concerns regarding the sustainability of small-scale producers. In particular, Law No. 6537 on Soil Protection and Land Use, enacted in 2014, aims to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land through inheritance and enhance productivity. However, it has also raised concerns among farmers regarding changes in land ownership structures and increasing challenges in agricultural production conditions. This process has forced small farmers to make difficult choices, such as collaborating with large-scale agribusinesses or withdrawing from agricultural activities altogether. Land consolidation is a policy instrument aimed at increasing agricultural efficiency in rural areas, preventing land fragmentation, and facilitating the adoption of modern farming practices. In Türkiye, land consolidation projects not only seek to improve agricultural infrastructure but also promote more efficient use of water resources and better transportation networks. However, this process presents distinct challenges for small-scale farmers. The implementation of consolidation projects directly affects farmers’ property rights, agricultural production patterns, and social structures. In particular, a lack of transparency in the project process, the incompatibility of new parcel arrangements with existing farming practices, and the insufficient inclusion of local communities in decision-making mechanisms have created uncertainty and distrust among farmers. To ensure that land consolidation effects rural producers positively, the process must be planned in alignment with regional conditions and farmers’ expectations. Reevaluating land consolidation and land tenure policies to support traditional farming practices and small-scale farmers is crucial for addressing the concerns of rural populations. This study assess the potential concerns arising from land consolidation and changes in inheritance laws in Türkiye from the perspective of farmers.