2021-11-30-亚开行-中国农村发展政策的多维演变（英）_78页_3mb

报告摘要

Summary of "Multidimensional Evolution of Rural Development Policy in the People's Republic of China"

Core Content

This working paper examines the multidimensional evolution of rural development policy in the People's Republic of China (PRC) from a historical and structural perspective. It highlights the progress in poverty reduction, demographic changes, socioeconomic trends, and environmental challenges in rural areas, while also analyzing the policy strategies and international experiences that can inform rural development in ADB's developing member countries.

The PRC has achieved significant poverty reduction, officially eradicating absolute poverty by the end of 2020, which is equivalent to 70% of global poverty reduction during that period. However, persistent urban-rural income disparities remain, and the government continues to prioritize rural development as a key component of achieving a moderately prosperous society (xiao kang).

Main Viewpoints

Rural Development Strategy: The PRC's rural development policy has evolved from a focus on food security to a more integrated and balanced approach that includes economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The 2018 Rural Vitalization Strategy represents a broader vision for rural development.
Demographic Changes: The rural population is shrinking and aging, with aging being more pronounced in rural areas. The urbanization rate has increased, and the rural population share in the total population has declined from 50.3% in 2010 to 39.4% in 2019. Migration trends have shifted from cross-regional to within-region, reflecting the movement of labor towards urban centers.
Income Trends: Rural per capita disposable income has grown rapidly (nearly 110 times from 1978 to 2018), with wage income becoming the dominant source. Income inequality remains a challenge, especially between low- and high-income rural households, with the income gap widening despite overall growth. Transfer income has also become a significant component of rural household income.
Urban-Rural Migration and Hukou System: The hukou system has historically restricted the free movement of labor between urban and rural areas. Although reforms have been introduced to ease restrictions, migrant workers still face challenges in accessing urban social benefits due to their rural hukou registration.
Environmental Challenges: Intensive agricultural practices such as the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and plastic mulch have led to environmental degradation. The government has introduced agri-environmental policies to address these issues, including regulations on chemical use, water resource protection, and sanitation improvements.
Policy Implications: The PRC's experience offers policy implications for other developing countries, especially in integrated rural development, institutional innovation, and sustainable practices. The paper also emphasizes the importance of South-South knowledge sharing and the role of private sector participation in rural development.

Key Information

Rural Demographics

Population Projection: The PRC's population is expected to plateau around 2030 and then decline gradually due to low birth rates and increasing aging.
Aging Rural Population: By 2018, 11.9% of the total population was aged 65 and over, with rural areas showing a more pronounced aging trend.
Rural Labor Force: One-third of the rural labor force was aged 55 or older in 2016, indicating a shift in labor structure.

Socioeconomic Development

Rural Income Growth: Per capita rural disposable income increased by nearly 110 times from 1978 to 2018, reaching CNY14,617 in 2018.
Income Structure: The primary income sources for rural residents include agricultural self-employment, wage income, transfer income, and asset income. Wage income now constitutes over 40% of rural household income.
Income Inequality: The income gap between rural and urban residents remains large, with a ratio of around 2.7 in 2018. Income disparity within rural groups is also significant, with the lowest income quintile in 2005 at CNY1,067, and the highest income quintile at CNY7,747.

Environmental Performance

Ecological Damage: Intensive agricultural practices have led to water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Policies: The PRC has introduced agri-environmental regulations, including restrictions on chemical use, water resource protection, and sanitation improvements. Economic mechanisms such as subsidies and cost recovery models are also being used to promote sustainable rural development.

Policy and Institutional Innovations

Leasing Out Farmland: This practice has increased off-farm income, reduced vulnerability, and narrowed urban-rural income gaps.
Cooperatives and Mechanization: The emergence of farmer cooperatives and agricultural mechanization services has helped scale up production and improve efficiency.
Public Services: The PRC is moving toward universal access to public services such as education, healthcare, and housing, but restrictions related to the hukou system still limit access for migrant workers.

Conclusion

The multidimensional evolution of rural development policy in the PRC reflects a shift from poverty alleviation to sustainable and inclusive development. While significant progress has been made, challenges such as income inequality, labor shortages, and environmental degradation persist. The paper emphasizes the importance of institutional reforms, policy integration, and South-South cooperation in addressing these challenges and promoting balanced rural development.