The impact of spatial structure of agricultural plots on development opportunities in rural areas, case study

Over the recent years, rural space has been a subject to continuous changes, both at the structural and qualitative level. The way Polish rural areas look today results from long-lasting changes determined not only by historical, but also social or economic factors. The areas currently face a number of problems, including unfavourable ownership structure. The purpose of the study was the analysis of the spatial structure of agricultural parcels, and the assessment of its effect on the possibilities of development of selected study areas. Spatial analyses were performed, providing the basis for the determination of the urgency of conducting arrangement-agricultural works with the most considerable impact on the development of the areas. Two rural areas were selected for the study: Jabłonów in Brzeźnica commune, Żagański County, Lubuskie Voivodship, and Gardzienice Pierwsze in Piaski commune, Świdnicki County, Lubelskie Voivodship. The areas, like the voivodships in which they are located, are distinguished by a completely different agrarian structure. According to data of the Central Statistical Office, in Lubelskie Voivodship farms reach an average size of 7.57 ha, and in Lubuskie Voivodship – 20.75 ha. Study areas selected this way permitted the presentation of various problems resulting from the ownership structure of land, and a proposal of the rearrangement of the space for the purpose of sustainable development.