Analyzing land disputes as an influencing social factor responsible for low agricultural productivity in Pakistani society

Abstract

The development of a society depends upon the social cohesion of all its institutions. Likewise, the growth of agriculture is also relying on the peaceful environment of the society. This particular study was conducted to know about the negative effects of land disputes on agricultural productivity in two districts (Charsadda and Mardan) of Pakistan. A sample of 384 farmers were selected through multistage random sampling method. The data from these farmers were collected through a well-designed interview schedule adopted from the literature review, following the ethics of research and culture of the area. Results showed that the association between land disputes and net income from agricultural production was found non-significant & positive (p=0.992; = 0.039) for the high socio-economic group, highly significant and negative (P=0.000; = -0.204) for middle socio-economic group, however, was non-significant and negative (P=0.523 & Tc= -0.162) for low-income groups. Value of level of significance and Tc for entire table show highly significant and negative (P=0.000 & Tc= -0.131) association between land disputes and agricultural productivity for all the three socio-economic groups which indicated a spurious relationship based on socio-economic statuses of the respondents. The study recommended that correction, computerization, and regular updation of land records may overcome land disputes which would also aid in the avoidance of wastage of financial, social, and time resources and its positive utilization in agricultural production.