Applying evaluation criteria for the land consolidation effect to three contrasting study areas in the Czech Republic

Land consolidation (LC) is a tool for improving the effectiveness of land cultivation and for supporting rural development. In the Czech Republic it is, in addition, used to remedy the damages and wrongs caused by 40 years of suppression of land ownership. This paper investigates the specific conditions and various outcomes of LC in three study areas, focusing on the evaluation criteria of land ownership and plot arrangement before and after LC. The three study areas contain contrasting observed features, and they therefore provide a good illustration of a whole range of factors that can affect the rate of LC. The author designed LC projects in each of the study areas between 1994 and 2003, and defined two sets of criteria for ex ante and ex post evaluation based on size, shape and juxtaposition of the plots, on the natural and social conditions, and on the economic benefits and advantages of LC for the landowners. The relationship between the ex ante criteria and the three LC indicators was analyzed using a multiple regression approach. The results show that the initial conditions had a strong effect on the outcomes of the LC programmes. Defining the criteria and the models for the Czech Republic will help to improve the methodological principles underlying LC projects, and it will also support the decision-making processes of the LC authorities in order to optimize the allocation of limited funds. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.