jordfordeling

Jordfordeling is the systematic reorganization of agricultural land holdings to create more rational, contiguous parcels and to clarify ownership. The aim is to improve agricultural efficiency, land use, and access to land for farm households by reducing fragmentation that often results from inheritance practices and historic open-field layouts.

Historically, jordfordeling has been part of agrarian reform in several Nordic countries. Projects typically start with surveys and mapping of existing plots, followed by the redistribution of land into new parcels that fit modern farming needs. The process may involve compensation or expropriation of land to achieve necessary consolidation, and titles and boundaries are updated in cadastral records to reflect the new layout. Local agricultural associations, landowners, and authorities often coordinate the work, sometimes with public funding or state support.

Outcomes of jordfordeling can include larger, more manageable farm units, shorter travel distances, and improved access to roads, irrigation, and other infrastructure. The reforms can also influence village structure and property relations, altering landscape patterns and local social dynamics. Critics may raise concerns about fairness of compensation, potential loss of traditional landholdings, or disruption to communities. In contemporary policy, jordfordeling is frequently pursued through voluntary land consolidation, which emphasizes negotiated exchanges and compensation over compulsory measures.

While most associated with historical reforms in Norway and other Nordic contexts, the concept remains relevant to discussions of rural development, land reform, and agricultural modernization more broadly.