Land consolidation as a tool for protection, development and planning of rural areas: A comprasion of European Union-Turkey

Land consolidation, implemented by the European Countries since 1550s to improve agricultural structure, remendy the division of land and to unify the divided agricultural lands, has been in practice in Turkey since 1960s.The main objective of this study is to conduct an evaluation of the approaches in the European Union (EU) Countries and in Turkey towards the use of land consolidatin as a tool to bolster agricultural efficiency and to ensure ecologically preserved sustainability of rural parts, and to develop new recommendations for more effective use and planning of rural areas in Turkey. This study investigates the sustainability of the relation between land consolidation, the major location for human activities and considered a significant tool for its continuity, and the planning of rural development.In the study, the literature was examined and the approaches in the European Union Countries and in Turkey towards land consolidation were evaluated, organizational structure and the workings of legislative regulations and the rates of change in agricultural efficiency after the consolidation were comparatively assessed.During the study, the General Directorate of Agricultural Reform, one of the executive agencies for land consolidation practices in Turkey, has provided statistical information and relevant documentation. Furthermore, it was observed that thesis studies relating to this matter were conducted in the relevant department of the Agricultural Faculties in universities and such resources were put to use. The publications on land consolidation practices in the European Union Countries and in Turkey can also be accessed on the internet.Within the context of the study; individuals holding office in the General Directorate of Agricultural Reform, having experience in land consolidation activities, were interviewed and a survey was conducted using the Delphi Technique. This practice was conducted through the internet and subsequent surveys were utilized in the Delphi process. In line with the participants? responses, the general issues in the land consolidation practices in Turkey were revealed.As a consequence of the thesis study, it was observed that the land consolidation activities in Turkey have not reached a level of advancement equal to the European Union Countries.Key Words : Land Consolidation, Rural Planning, Agricultural Land Protection and Planning, European Union, Turkey, Delphi Technique.