Agricultural land management in line with the principles of sustainable development – a way to prevent or mitigate conflicts

The aim of this study and the analyses performed has been to find out whether the sustainable approach to agricultural land management can help to prevent or mitigate conflicts due to the limited nature of land resources. The research problem was solved on the basis of the subject literature review and the results of a survey questionnaire completed by 534 Polish farmers. A research gap emerged, namely the scarcity of studies on land-use conflicts in the context of the sustainable use of such an important and unique resource as agricultural land. Rational farmland management conducted in line with the principles of sustainable development can lay the foundation for achieving the set economic and social goals while simultaneously respecting the natural environment. Such activities may contribute to the prevention of possible conflicts due to land use or mitigate these conflicts that have already arisen. Over 70% of the farmers who responded to the survey mentioned activities other than agricultural production competing for agricultural land. In order to act effectively while respecting the rules of sustainable development, it is necessary to carry out coordinated activities under specific policies. Agricultural land management calls for special solutions. Well-targeted intervention is needed, as confirmed by the survey results (over ¾ of the respondents expressed the opinion that the state should protect the land). Further research is advisable to explore the opinions of various stakeholders using agricultural land for a variety of purposes on the sustainable use of farmland.