The dynamics of spatial diversification of the agrarian structure of voivodeships

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to assess diversification dynamics of the agrarian structure of voivodeships in years 1996-2008. The calculations were made on the basis of statistical data obtained from the Central Statistical Office—the number and area of farms have been grouped by voivodeships. With the use of a fuzzy classification method, voivodeships have been divided into groups of similar agrarian structures according to data of 1996, 2002 and 2008. As a result, 4 groups comprising the same voivodeships in each year have been distinguished. Group I con- sists of Małopolskie, Śląskie and Podkarpackie voivodeships. It is characterized by the highest degree of fragmentation of the agrarian structure. In 2008 around 82% of farms had the area of 1-5 hectares, while 14.4% of them had the area of 5-10 hectares. The remaining farms repre- sent a very small proportion: 10-20 hectares—3.3%, 20-50 hectares—1.1%, more than 50 hec­tares—0.3%. Group II consists of Łódzkie, Mazowieckie and Lubelskie voivodeships, where structure indices are as follows: 51.5%, 29.2%, 14%, 4.2% and 0.5%. The lowest degree of fragmentation is observed in group III, comprising Podlaskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Pomorskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Wielkopolskie voivodeships. The average structure is more regular in this group: 35.5%, 23%, 25.2%, 13.3% and 3.1%. Group IV consists of Lubuskie, Dolnośląskie and Opolskie voivodeships and average structure indices are as follows: 57%, 19.9%, 12.5%, 7.3% and 3.2%.