The perception of padi farm fragmentation in West Malaysia : a case study of the Muda Irrigation Scheme

Author: Choong Chye Heang

AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no. HS-79-05

Year: 1979

Academic Program: Human Settlement (HS)

Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 1979

Examination Committee: Karl E. Weber (Chairperson); Hiran D. Dias, Hideki Kaji (Examination Committee Members)

Abstract: This study has four objectives: (1) to examine the role which perception plays in helping one to understand the phenomenon of padi farm fragmentation in the Muda area (2) to determine the extent to which padi farmers perceive the conditions and factors affecting padi farm fragmentation (3) to ascertain how perception of the conditions and factors causing fragmentation influences the farmers to adopt measures to control further spread of fragmentation and (4) to compare padi farmers’ perception of farm fragmentation with that of public officials and professionals, and laymen, in order to find out whether there are any significant differences in their perception of the phenomenon. The non-parametric statistical tests such as chi-square test rank correlation coefficient and coefficient of concordance employed in the analysis showed the following results, significant at 99 percent level of confidence: 1. There is no significant variation in the perception of conditions factors affecting farm fragmentation. 2. Perception of the conditions and factors affecting fragmentation is associated with perception of fragmentation phenomenon and perception of measures available to control further spread to fragmentation, but is not significantly associated with perception of economic efficiency, perception of government ability to control fragmentation and perception of linkages with other farmers. 3. There is no significant association between the adoption of measures to control further spread of fragmentation and the perception of conditions and factors affecting fragmentation. 4. There is no significant correlation in the perception of conditions and factors affecting fragmentation among the farmers, public officials and professionals, and laymen, but there is significant correlation in their attitudes towards statements concerning padi farm fragmentation.

Scholarship Donor(s): Government of Australia

Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology

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Search keywords index: Choong Chye Heang The perception of padi farm fragmentation in West Malaysia : a case study of the Muda Irrigation Scheme Human Settlement (HS) Land tenure — Muda Irrigation Scheme;”Farm management”