How can scattered plots of farmland lower productivity?

Scattered plots of farmland, often referred to as fragmentation, can lower agricultural productivity by hindering the efficient scale of operations. When a farm is divided into non-contiguous fragments, it becomes difficult to implement modern mechanization and advanced technology, which are essential for increasing the ratio of output to input.1

Consolidating these fragmented parts is a key strategy in land reform because it allows for the reallocation of farmland in a way that increases efficiency for the landholder. Without such consolidation, operations may remain below the optimum level, which inhibits necessary capital investment, technological improvements, and crop diversification. By pooling resources or reallocating land through exchange, sale, or lease, farmers can overcome the limitations imposed by scattered holdings and better utilize modern agricultural practices.1