An agrarian society is one that is based on agriculture as its prime means for support and sustenance. Changes in the agrarian structure are necessary in many parts of the world. In the type of shortcomings and the changes that are necessary, however, there are great regional differences. Agrarian reforms are measures designed to overcome obstacles hindering economic and social development that are the result of shortcomings in the agrarian structure. Changes in land tenure i.e., ownership and tenancy and labour organization as well as changes in land use belong to these measures. Agrarian reforms make use of legal force and intervene in the property and land use rights of the people, although with certain compensations.
This book is a detailed study of changing agrarian societies around the world. Its objective is to examine the impact of technology on peasantry, and the changes it brought. Among the specific issues discussed are the development of agrarian settlements, land tenure, agrarian structures and pattern of agrarian reforms. |