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Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions...
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Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2023) | Viewed by 59256

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Francesco Caracciolo

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Naples, Italy
Interests: development economics; food economics; ecosystem services; rural development; sustainable consumption
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Danilo Bertoni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
Interests: environmental economics; rural development; sustainable agriculture; agricultural economics; agricultural policies
Dr. Raffaele Cortignani

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Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: agricultural economics; agri-environmental policies and strategies; adaptation and mitigation of climate change in the agricultural sector
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The COVID-19 pandemic is emphasizing the importance of a resilient food system that ensures affordable food for consumers and helps to uncover the existing critical interrelations between ecosystem preservation, food system characteristics, and health. The need for a transition toward a more sustainable food system maximizing environmental, health, and social benefits while supporting economic growth is therefore particularly needed.

To foster this transition, countries are asked to orient their policy interventions in agriculture to improve their response to societal demands on food and health, including safe, nutritious, and sustainable food. Agricultural policies need to adapt to the current challenges, which leads to two relevant and related research gaps. Empirical evidence on the fitness and suitability of traditional measures and interventions in agriculture in achieving the expected outcomes and impact is particularly limited with regard to novel expectations and requests. The latter requires a better understanding of farm responses, of farmers’ willingness and capacity to adhere to the policy measures, and how these might impact the environmental and economic farming dimensions. Secondly, the need for the development of new methodologies and tools to analyze and deeply understand the impact of policy decisions on the novel spheres has been accelerated.

The Special Issue aims to include both empirical research articles and conceptual pieces covering (but not limited to) all stages of the agri-food system, from production to distribution, marketing, and consumption, which may contribute to develop an evidence base for rural development policies and interventions to address novel, emerging societal problems in both developed and developing countries.

Prof. Dr. Francesco Caracciolo
Prof. Dr. Danilo Bertoni
Prof. Dr. Raffaele Cortignani
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Rural development programs
  • Agri-environmental policies
  • Sustainable agriculture.
  • Ecosystem services
  • Sustainable development
  • Agri-environmental measures
  • Policy evaluation
  • Impact assessment
  • Environmental laws and policy
  • Ecological intensification

Published Papers (22 papers)

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24 pages, 1916 KiB  
Article
Traditional Italian Agri-Food Products: A Unique Tool with Untapped Potential
by Adriano Didonna, Massimiliano Renna and Pietro Santamaria
Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1313; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13071313 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2003
Abstract
In the agri-food market, there is an increasing interest in local and traditional food products. In a context characterised by private labels and European Geographical Indications (GIs), the Italian Traditional Agri-food Product (TAP) denomination seems to be a particularly interesting tool for the [...] Read more.
In the agri-food market, there is an increasing interest in local and traditional food products. In a context characterised by private labels and European Geographical Indications (GIs), the Italian Traditional Agri-food Product (TAP) denomination seems to be a particularly interesting tool for the promotion of agri-food products. This work analysed the effectiveness of this denomination in promoting local and traditional Italian products with a particular focus on vegetable products and landraces, which is the most represented category in the TAP list. The analysis included literature and bureaucratic reviews, a questionnaire administered to consumers and a comparison of the TAP denomination with European GI schemes in order to identify the opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of the TAP denomination. True to the SWOT analysis, the TAP denomination appears not to very incisive in terms of commercial protection and promotion, although it can represent a useful first step for the designation of traditional Italian products to the European GI schemes (56.94% conversion rate) and the unique recognition of Italian cultural heritage. In conclusion, the suggestion is to improve the TAP denomination by developing activities to increase consumer awareness, by allocating more financial resources for TAP productions (local products) and by proposing better integration with regional and private labels to protect the unique characteristics of Italian traditional agri-food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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19 pages, 1904 KiB  
Article
Qualitative Analysis of Industrial Hemp Production, Markets, and Sustainability in North Carolina, United States
by Obed Quaicoe, Fafanyo Asiseh and Omoanghe S. Isikhuemhen
Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 887; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13040887 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1733
Abstract
The North Carolina hemp industry has fallen short of its projected success despite its potential economic benefits and opportunities for farmers. The floral hemp sector specifically has been struggling due to excessive production and decreasing prices. The objective of the research was to [...] Read more.
The North Carolina hemp industry has fallen short of its projected success despite its potential economic benefits and opportunities for farmers. The floral hemp sector specifically has been struggling due to excessive production and decreasing prices. The objective of the research was to examine the experiences and obstacles faced by early adopters and stakeholders of the hemp industry in NC. Through structured focus group discussions and interviews, data were collected and analyzed to gain insight into the industry’s direction. The results revealed that many floral hemp farmers have abandoned the crop because of financial setbacks, leading to a reduced interest in cultivation compared to five years prior. The floral hemp industry’s rapid growth and decline have tempered farmers’ expectations of the crop’s potential. The findings will provide a foundation for further research into NC’s hemp production and economy, enabling the provision of necessary information and extension services for profitable hemp farming in the state. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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15 pages, 278 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Environmental Targets on the Livestock Sector: An Assessment Tool Applied to Italy
by Davide Dell’Unto, Gabriele Dono and Raffaele Cortignani
Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 742; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13040742 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1485
Abstract
Environmental and climate targets are becoming very relevant policy objectives for European agriculture. The introduction of environmental targets could have important impacts on production, land use and economic dimensions of the EU agricultural sector. The livestock sector is influenced doubly, considering crop cultivation [...] Read more.
Environmental and climate targets are becoming very relevant policy objectives for European agriculture. The introduction of environmental targets could have important impacts on production, land use and economic dimensions of the EU agricultural sector. The livestock sector is influenced doubly, considering crop cultivation and livestock-rearing activities and their interactions. This study assesses the impacts on Italian livestock farms from the implementation of some environmental targets set by the Farm to Fork strategy, i.e., reducing the use of chemical inputs for forage crops and antimicrobials for livestock. An agroeconomic supply model based on microdata from the Farm Accountancy Data Network is used to evaluate the impacts on production, land use and socio-economic outcomes. Results show an increase of feed purchases to maintain livestock numbers in all farm types, while limiting the use of chemical inputs for forage crops. Adding limitations on the use of antimicrobials, livestock number decreases in all farm types, but especially in those rearing granivores. Negative economic impacts are particularly observed in farms of small and medium economic size. The highest reduction of labor employment occurs in farms of large economic size. Results could support policymakers’ decisions in setting measures that aid transition towards more sustainable farming systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
28 pages, 4823 KiB  
Article
Tourism Development in the Framework of Endogenous Rural Development Programmes—Comparison of the Case Studies of the Regions of La Vera and Tajo-Salor (Extremadura, Spain)
by Francisco Javier Castellano-Álvarez, Rafael Robina Ramírez and Ana Nieto Masot
Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 726; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13030726 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1548
Abstract
The promotion of rural tourism is one of the measures that has aroused most expectations in the application of the endogenous rural development programmes promoted by the European Commission at the beginning of the 1990s. Using the case study methodology, this research aims [...] Read more.
The promotion of rural tourism is one of the measures that has aroused most expectations in the application of the endogenous rural development programmes promoted by the European Commission at the beginning of the 1990s. Using the case study methodology, this research aims to compare the implementation of the aforementioned measure in two regions which, according to their characteristics, could be considered as antagonistic examples: one, La Vera, has all the conditions to successfully develop its tourism sector; the other, Tajo-Salor, with an adverse climate, lacking in outstanding tourism resources and far from the main centres of demand, could be considered the opposite. The results of the research show the risks inherent in an excessive specialisation in tourism within development strategies. Paradoxically, in La Vera, the concentration of investment in the tourism sector has resulted in a higher number of failed and transferred projects, as well as the dissatisfaction of most of its tourism promoters with the viability of their businesses. In contrast, in Tajo-Salor, the results are more positive, despite the fact that this region has given less relative importance to the tourism sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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26 pages, 10757 KiB  
Article
The Evolution Model of and Factors Influencing Digital Villages: Evidence from Guangxi, China
by Weiwei Li, Ping Zhang, Kaixu Zhao, Hua Chen and Sidong Zhao
Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 659; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13030659 - 11 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2576
Abstract
(1) Background: Digitalization is the key to sustainable village development, posing a new challenge for village planning, construction, and governance in all countries. The construction of digital villages is currently in the stage of experimentation and exploration; China is the largest developing country [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Digitalization is the key to sustainable village development, posing a new challenge for village planning, construction, and governance in all countries. The construction of digital villages is currently in the stage of experimentation and exploration; China is the largest developing country and a pioneer in the digitization of villages. (2) Methods: Based on a combination of the Boston Consulting Group Matrix and GeoDetector, we conducted an empirical study on 70 counties in Guangxi, aiming to analyze the construction level, evolution model, and driving mechanism of digital villages and to provide a basis for decisions on government investment and social participation. (3) Results: First, Conspicuous disequilibrium in rural digitalization has manifested in Guangxi, and counties at different levels (leader, follower, and straggler) show significant clustering and correlation effects in their geographical distribution. Second, digital village construction in Guangxi has evolves in diversified modes (divided into four types: star, gazelle, cow, and dog), with hot and cold areas forming a center–periphery structure. Third, rural digitalization has a very complex driving mechanism, with high heterogeneity in the direct influencing factors, significant synergistic enhancement of factors, and nonlinear enhancement dominating the interaction’s relationship. (4) Conclusions: According to the results of analysis, we suggest highlighting the government-driven mechanism and regional linkage in the construction of digital villages, formulating differentiated management policies and development plans based on the combination of top-level design and grassroots innovation, establishing joint meetings or development associations and service alliances, and stimulating the enthusiasm of the whole of society, especially farmers and enterprises, in order to achieve rapid and sustainable rural digitalization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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18 pages, 1129 KiB  
Article
The Value of Crop Diversification: Understanding the Factors Influencing Consumers’ WTP for Pasta from Sustainable Agriculture
by Eleonora Sofia Rossi, José A. Zabala, Francesco Caracciolo and Emanuele Blasi
Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 585; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture13030585 - 27 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1511
Abstract
(1) Background: The pressure that agricultural systems’ intensive management exerts on the environment concerns society. For this reason, the demand for sustainable foods is growing in the market. This study investigated consumers’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for dry semolina pasta produced with raw [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The pressure that agricultural systems’ intensive management exerts on the environment concerns society. For this reason, the demand for sustainable foods is growing in the market. This study investigated consumers’ Willingness To Pay (WTP) for dry semolina pasta produced with raw materials from more diversified agricultural systems and which factors influence this choice. (2) Methods: The data, collected through a contingent valuation exercise, involved 185 Italian consumers. Through a Tobit model, the drivers influencing the WTP were selected. A latent class cluster analysis determined four different groups of consumers. (3) Results: The data highlighted a real social demand for sustainability. Consumers recognize a higher WTP for sustainable pasta. This value is influenced by drivers such as purchasing habits, personal characteristics, and environmental attitudes. (4) Conclusions: This work offers an approach, both from a market and political point of view, to how this higher potential WTP could be identified and redistributed among the value chain actors by structuring both marketing strategies for the different types of consumers and political tools able to help agri-food chains towards sustainability transition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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25 pages, 9162 KiB  
Article
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Government and Enterprise Behavior Strategies in Public-Private-Partnership Farmland Consolidation
by Wenxiong Wang, Ziying Song, Wei Zhou, Yong Jiang and Yuan Sun
Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1874; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12111874 - 08 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1393
Abstract
To improve the implementation effect of farmland consolidation (FC) and promote the development of agricultural modernization, the Chinese government has vigorously promoted the application of the public-private-partnership for farmland consolidation (PPP-FC). However, many conflicts of interest among stakeholders exist in PPP-FC. Especially in [...] Read more.
To improve the implementation effect of farmland consolidation (FC) and promote the development of agricultural modernization, the Chinese government has vigorously promoted the application of the public-private-partnership for farmland consolidation (PPP-FC). However, many conflicts of interest among stakeholders exist in PPP-FC. Especially in the implementation stage of PPP-FC, most private enterprises probably prefer to decrease the costs of construction to increase the profits when government incentives and supervision are insufficient. Based on this, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model between the government and the enterprises to explore the motivations of the enterprises’ speculative behaviors, the interaction mechanism and the evolutionary stability strategies of both parties and uses numerical simulations to visually analyze the effectiveness of the incentive mechanism and the strategic change of both sides. Our results show that (1) the enterprise’s farmland operating income is the decisive factor that affects behavioral choices: the situation for the income of a low-effort strategy is greater than that of a high-effort strategy is the root cause of speculative behavior; (2) the incentive mechanism can simultaneously affect the decision-making direction and speed of both the government and the enterprises, especially punishment which can effectively regulate the behaviors of the enterprises; (3) government regulation costs and officials’ desire for promotion are important factors affecting their strategic choices: regulation costs negatively impact the government’s plans to adopt an incentive strategy and the promotion desire positively promotes the government implementing incentive measures for the enterprises; and (4) the supervision level of farmers is an important factor that affects the strategic choices of both the government and the enterprises: farmers supervision is an effective remedy for inadequate government regulation and constrains the government’s behavior. Finally, the paper proposes corresponding policy recommendations to improve the implementation effect of PPP-FC and also provides an important reference for other developing countries to formulate PPP-FC incentive mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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22 pages, 1261 KiB  
Article
Influence of Livelihood Capital Level and Structure on Rural Households’ Payment Willingness for Rural Human Settlement Improvement: Evidence from Hubei Province, China
by Yongzheng Cui, Wenxiong Wang, Lihong Yu, Wei Zhou and Zitong Fu
Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1808; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12111808 - 30 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
Rural human settlement improvement (RHSI) is the basis for enhancing rural households’ life quality and promoting their well-being. Studying the impact of the livelihood capital level and structure on rural households’ payment willingness for RHSI will help to clarify the effective focus for [...] Read more.
Rural human settlement improvement (RHSI) is the basis for enhancing rural households’ life quality and promoting their well-being. Studying the impact of the livelihood capital level and structure on rural households’ payment willingness for RHSI will help to clarify the effective focus for implementing a payment system for rural environmental governance, which is of great significance for improving rural human settlements and promoting comprehensive rural revitalization. This study reveals the influence mechanism of the livelihood capital level and structure on rural households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for RHSI. According to the survey data of rural households in Hubei Province, China, the level and structure of rural households’ livelihood capital and their WTP for RHSI are analyzed using the entropy value method and the contingent valuation method. The effects of the livelihood capital level and structure on rural households’ WTP for RHSI are tested using the Probit and Tobit models. The results show significant differences in the level and structure of rural households’ livelihood capital. More than half of the rural households have a payment inclination for RHSI, but the distribution of the willingness payment amounts shows a clear polarization, with the average payment amount ranging from CNY 14.48 to 28.32 per month. Both the total livelihood capital level and classification levels (natural capital, human capital, financial capital and social capital) significantly positively affect the rural households’ WTP. In the livelihood capital structure, both the natural-capital-dominant type and financial-capital-dominant type significantly positively affect the rural households’ WTP, and the human-capital-dominant type significantly positively affects the rural households’ willingness payment amount. Accordingly, this study proposes policy recommendations for the multi-dimensional improvement of rural households’ livelihood capital and the optimization of the livelihood capital structure allocation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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20 pages, 2671 KiB  
Article
Routes Determine Results? Comparing the Performance of Differentiated Farmland Conservation Policies in China Based on Farmers’ Perceptions
by Min Song, Yuxin Ji, Mingdi Zhu, Junji Yue and Luping Yi
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1442; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12091442 - 12 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1964
Abstract
Revealing the performance of farmland conservation policies that use different types of policy instruments can provide a basis for optimizing such policies. Based on farmers’ perceptions of farmland conservation policies, this paper conducted an empirical analysis using data on 986 rural households which [...] Read more.
Revealing the performance of farmland conservation policies that use different types of policy instruments can provide a basis for optimizing such policies. Based on farmers’ perceptions of farmland conservation policies, this paper conducted an empirical analysis using data on 986 rural households which were collected from seven towns/districts in three provinces of China. More specifically, this paper first uses propensity score matching to analyze the impact of the comprehensive application of economic incentive and command-and-control policy instruments on farmland conservation. Then, it explores the differences between the effects of local economic incentive farmland conservation policies (FCP-LE) that employed different policy instruments. Finally, the factors affecting farmers’ perceptions of FCP-LE performance were identified. The results show that the combination of economic incentives and command-and-control policy instruments significantly improved the performance of farmland conservation policies. Furthermore, after comparing FCP-LE with payments to rural communities in the form of monetary compensation only, it is evident that a combination of FCP-LE with payments to farmers and integrated monetary compensation and social security subsidies yields better farmland conservation. Additionally, there are differences between the factors affecting farmers’ perceptions of FCP-LE performance in different areas. Our findings aim to help encourage more areas to develop diversified local incentive policies in order to conserve farmland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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19 pages, 5959 KiB  
Article
A Framework of Development-Oriented Poverty Alleviation Implementation Projects in Rural China: The Case of Jinggu County
by Jun Fan, Sichuan Luo, Attachai Jintrawet, Xingming Fan and Ruijia Guo
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1417; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12091417 - 08 Sep 2022
Viewed by 2401
Abstract
Although the literature concerning poverty is rich in theory and policy suggestion, the implementation of poverty alleviation is still poorly studied. This study aims to answer the question of what could be considered a good framework for poverty alleviation and how to implement [...] Read more.
Although the literature concerning poverty is rich in theory and policy suggestion, the implementation of poverty alleviation is still poorly studied. This study aims to answer the question of what could be considered a good framework for poverty alleviation and how to implement it in rural areas. Based on China’s experience, we here conceptualize an implementation framework and process by using a systemic approach. A five-year case study of over fourteen thousand poor households is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework and process. The case study results show that poverty alleviation measures have been successfully implemented following the framework and process, and the absolute poverty is eliminated. Key characteristics of China’s poverty alleviation program, such as people-centered philosophy, pro-poor development, functional institution, systematic anti-poverty measures, and social mobilization may be useful for other poverty alleviation implementation approaches. The novel implementation framework and process, and pro-poor development strategy in this study can provide valuable experience for other poverty alleviation programs, and more similar poverty alleviation programs would make a significant contribution to the shared Sustainable Development Goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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22 pages, 20956 KiB  
Article
The Impacts of Rapid Urbanization on Farmland Marginalization: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta, China
by Junna Liu, Siyan Zeng, Jing Ma, Yuanyuan Chang, Yan Sun and Fu Chen
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1276; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12081276 - 22 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
Farmland is the most precious natural resource and the primary source of food for human beings. Urbanization not only occupies a large amount of farmland spatially, but also economically squeezes agricultural production, resulting in farmland marginalization and causing serious threats to food security. [...] Read more.
Farmland is the most precious natural resource and the primary source of food for human beings. Urbanization not only occupies a large amount of farmland spatially, but also economically squeezes agricultural production, resulting in farmland marginalization and causing serious threats to food security. However, the manner in which rapid urbanization drives farmland marginalization in surrounding areas and the factors that might play a dominant role in this process remain elusive. Therefore, the present study considered rapidly urbanized regions of 128 county-level units in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China from 2000 to 2020 as the study area. Methods such as spatial autocorrelation analysis, hotspot analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and the driving factors of farmland marginalization. The results showed that: (i) the marginalization ratio of farmland in YRD from 2000 to 2020 was 31.34%, with a distinctly increasing trend, generally high in the central and southern and low in the north areas; (ii) marginalization exhibited different spatial agglomeration under different influencing factors: the economy-induced marginalization ratio was 23.19%, playing a dominant role, in general, distributed as high in the middle and low on the sides, while the nature-induced marginalization ratio was 8.15%, and in general, the spatial pattern shifted from discrete- to a clear- distribution of high in the south and low in the north; and, (iii) farmland area per capita, total power of agricultural machinery, GDP per capita and government farmland subsidies were the main factors driving farmland marginalization. In addition, nature-induced marginalization was primarily driven by economic level and topographical conditions, whereas economy-induced marginalization was primarily driven by production conditions. We suggest that in the future, corresponding policies and measures should be established to reduce farmland marginalization in rapidly urbanized areas and to ensure food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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21 pages, 1474 KiB  
Article
Regional Differences of Farmers’ Willingness to Grow Grain and Its Influencing Factors in Shandong Province under the Background of New-Type Urbanization
by Xufang Zhang, Minghua Zhao, Xiaojie Wang and Rongqing Han
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1259; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12081259 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1820
Abstract
Taking Shandong Province as the research area, we explored the willingness of farmers to grow grain and the influencing factors. By constructing the evaluation system of their willingness with 6 levels and 15 indicators based on field investigation, and quantitatively analyzing the influence [...] Read more.
Taking Shandong Province as the research area, we explored the willingness of farmers to grow grain and the influencing factors. By constructing the evaluation system of their willingness with 6 levels and 15 indicators based on field investigation, and quantitatively analyzing the influence degree and impact assessment of factors through a logistic regression model, the regional differences in farmers’ willingness were summarized, and the influencing factors were recognized. This study indicates that there were obvious regional differences in farmers’ willingness, which were the highest in the western region, the second in the eastern region, and the lowest in the central region. Specifically, the willingness varies significantly among cities, among which Laiwu has the highest willingness (0.76), while Tai’an has the lowest (0.41). The level of urbanization in different regions and the main influencing factors are different, and the same factor has different degrees of influence on cities, leading to regional differences. In terms of urbanization level, the main influencing factors in areas with high urbanization levels are the proportion of grain income and grain expenditure. However, in areas with a low urbanization level, it is the farmers’ planting attitude. From the perspective of influence mode, different factors have positive and negative differences in the willingness. Additionally, farmers’ willingness is becoming more and more rational, and more consideration is given to economic benefits. Among the influencing factors, the land planting mode, the proportion of grain income, and the proportion of grain expenditure are the most important factors, and 82% (11) of the cities are affected by the above three factors. Finally, the corresponding incentive measures are proposed by the regional differences in the influencing factors in various cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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23 pages, 4921 KiB  
Article
Rural Transformation Driven by Households’ Adaptation to Climate, Policy, Market, and Urbanization: Perspectives from Livelihoods–Land Use on Chinese Loess Plateau
by Qingqing Yang, Yanhui Gao, Xinjun Yang and Jian Zhang
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1111; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12081111 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1887
Abstract
Regional rural systems respond to global environmental change with multi-dimensional transformation. However, in the widespread traditional agricultural areas, rural transformation is often seen as invisible and sometimes remains hidden by official statistics of urbanization and industrialization at a regional level. The study implemented [...] Read more.
Regional rural systems respond to global environmental change with multi-dimensional transformation. However, in the widespread traditional agricultural areas, rural transformation is often seen as invisible and sometimes remains hidden by official statistics of urbanization and industrialization at a regional level. The study implemented field survey and ethnography methods, exploring the trajectory and driving paths of rural transformation in traditional agricultural areas. The findings indicate that the dominant livelihood experienced a transitional trajectory from traditional farming to jujube-oriented and then to a non-farming livelihood. Furthermore, the land use showed an eco-transformation from farmland to forest land, and from cultivated land gradually to uncultivated land. We also find that the household behaviors actively or passively adapted to environmental effects, such as climate change, market change, urbanization impact, and policy regulation, and then drove non-agricultural transformation and eco-transformation in traditional agricultural areas. Based on these findings, the study confirms that there is a clear rural transformation in traditional agricultural areas, and reveals that the Loess Plateau turned green from bottom to top. Finally, the study calls to take the road of green transformation, and proposals are presented in terms of ecology, livelihood, and industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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22 pages, 2113 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Digital Economy on Agricultural Green Development: Evidence from China
by Qi Jiang, Jizhi Li, Hongyun Si and Yangyue Su
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1107; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12081107 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4807
Abstract
Whether the digital economy can effectively promote agricultural green development is crucial to the realization of agricultural rural modernization. This study empirically analyzes the impact of the digital economy on agricultural green development and the mechanism of action based on panel data of [...] Read more.
Whether the digital economy can effectively promote agricultural green development is crucial to the realization of agricultural rural modernization. This study empirically analyzes the impact of the digital economy on agricultural green development and the mechanism of action based on panel data of 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020. The results reveal that (1) the digital economy can significantly improve the green development level of China’s agriculture; the dividends in the eastern region and central region are significantly higher than that in the western region, and there is regional heterogeneity. (2) The role of the digital economy in promoting agricultural green development has a nonlinear characteristic of increasing “marginal effect.” (3) The digital economy has a significant spatial spillover effect, which can have a positive impact on agricultural green development in the surrounding areas. (4) The construction of “Broadband Countryside” can improve the development of the rural digital economy and indirectly promote agricultural green development. This study deepens our understanding of the internal effect and interval relationship of how the digital economy enables agricultural green development and provides the theoretical basis and practical suggestions for optimizing digital facility construction and high-quality agricultural development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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13 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
Gender, Empowerment and Food Security Status of Households in Nigeria
by Waheed Mobolaji Ashagidigbi, Olajumoke Oluwatoyosi Orilua, Kehinde Ademola Olagunju and Abiodun Olusola Omotayo
Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12070956 - 02 Jul 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4230
Abstract
Gender inequality in access to productive and economic resources has been a topical issue in sub-Saharan Africa. The restrictive access to resources, assets and decision making by women has been linked to food insecurity. Using a large cross-sectional dataset from the 2018/2019 Living [...] Read more.
Gender inequality in access to productive and economic resources has been a topical issue in sub-Saharan Africa. The restrictive access to resources, assets and decision making by women has been linked to food insecurity. Using a large cross-sectional dataset from the 2018/2019 Living Standard Measurement Survey, this paper examines the interrelationship among gender, empowerment and households’ food security status in Nigeria. The analytical techniques adopted include the empowerment index, dietary diversity score and the Tobit and the ordered probit regression models. The findings suggest that the level of empowerment is generally low in Nigeria (21.63%) but much worse among the female gender (11.78%). The results also show that female gender and rural and North West residents were mostly in the food insecure and disempowered group. The study concludes that empowerment and food policy measures that would enhance access and control of productive and economic resources by the female gender and rural and North West residents should be formulated to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ending hunger and promoting gender equality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
12 pages, 908 KiB  
Article
Insights into Rural Stress: Using the Community Capitals Framework to Help Inform Rural Policies and Interventions
by Kevan W. Lamm, Alyssa Powell, Abigail Borron, Keith Atkins and Stephanie Hollifield
Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 694; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12050694 - 14 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2319
Abstract
Communities in rural America have experienced significant decline over the past century. Professionals working within these communities, such as extension or community development professionals, may leverage their position as trusted sources to decrease negative outcomes associated with novel and emerging societal problems, such [...] Read more.
Communities in rural America have experienced significant decline over the past century. Professionals working within these communities, such as extension or community development professionals, may leverage their position as trusted sources to decrease negative outcomes associated with novel and emerging societal problems, such as rural stress. This study was grounded in the community capitals framework and sought to examine the importance of capitals relative to the perception of rural stress. A sample of extension agents from a southeastern land-grant university in the United States provided rating and ranking data. A modified Borda Count and weighted ranking score were computed to generate a heuristic ranking of capitals relative to importance to rural stress. Human and natural capital were consistently regarded as highly important, while cultural and built–financial capital were consistently sorted to the bottom. Therefore, human and natural capital may represent critical entry points for professionals to develop programming related to rural stress perceptions and coping mechanisms. Overall, the results of this study support the continued use of the community capitals framework to guide community development strategies that address rural stress concerns and provides evidence to inform rural development policies and interventions. Such strategies should involve community members to facilitate an inside-out approach and develop sustainable solutions based on local knowledge and needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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20 pages, 2014 KiB  
Article
Improving Rural Livelihood through the Cultivation of Indigenous Fruits and Vegetables: Evidence from Ondo State, Nigeria
by Similoluwa Felicia Olowo, Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, Ibraheem Oduola Lawal and Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 372; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12030372 - 07 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3544
Abstract
The potential value of the efficient utilization of rural lands to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables to improve the livelihood of farming households cannot be overemphasized. Using primary data from 400 randomly selected rural farming households in Ondo State, Nigeria, this study applied [...] Read more.
The potential value of the efficient utilization of rural lands to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables to improve the livelihood of farming households cannot be overemphasized. Using primary data from 400 randomly selected rural farming households in Ondo State, Nigeria, this study applied probit regression, principal component analysis (PCA), and propensity score matching (PSM) models to investigate the factors that determine the decisions of households to utilize their lands to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables. The impact of their cultivation on the livelihood of the participants was assessed, and the result revealed that they were profitable (NGN19,187.8/USD 42.60/Ha; Nigerian Naira = NGN, USD = United States Dollar). The farmers who cultivated indigenous fruits and vegetables (n = 277) made an additional 29.40% average total farm revenue than those (n = 123) who did not. Based on the probit regression analysis, factors such as educational attainment, access to government subsidies, and knowledge of the nutritional benefit of the indigenous fruits and vegetables influenced the decision of farmers to cultivate indigenous fruits and vegetables. The PSM model established that the cultivation of indigenous plants increased farm revenue and livelihood outcomes by NGN17,604.85 and NGN2265.00, respectively. In this context, the cultivation of indigenous fruits and vegetables in the selected rural communities is important for improving the livelihoods of households and suggests the need to rethink the present dominant policy narrative that neglects these indigenous plants. A concerted effort needs to focus on increasing their productivity and commercialization as a primary pathway to improve rural livelihood and transformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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20 pages, 1676 KiB  
Article
Rising Food Prices and Farming Households Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Policy Implications from SouthWest Nigeria
by Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, Abeeb Babatunde Omotoso, Saidat Adebola Daud, Oluwadara Pelumi Omotayo and Babatunde Afeez Adeniyi
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 363; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12030363 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4997
Abstract
The government’s lockdown and restriction measures on the COVID-19 pandemic adversely altered livelihoods, commodity/food prices as well as food security status in Nigeria, especially for rural farming households. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 480 rural farming households across [...] Read more.
The government’s lockdown and restriction measures on the COVID-19 pandemic adversely altered livelihoods, commodity/food prices as well as food security status in Nigeria, especially for rural farming households. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 480 rural farming households across three selected states of the SouthWest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This research entailed rapid evaluation of the determining factors of rising food expenditure, implications for food security as well as households’ coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data that were analyzed using the following descriptive and inferential statistics: double-logarithmic analysis, Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) and probit regression analysis. The results showed that 60% of respondents were married, mean years spent in school was 17, mean age was 49 years, household size was 7 people and monthly income less than $200. The FGT model results for head count ratio showed that 78% of households were food insecure. The depth of food insecurity and severity before COVID-19 were 18.4% and 9.9% respectively, and 27.1% and 13.0% during the pandemic. The double-logarithmic regression revealed that household income, size, age and occupation significantly influenced the household’s food expenditure. Probit regression showed that households’ income, size, amount spent on food, and the household’s head, gender and educational level influenced its food security status. The research concluded that food security was indeed influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic among rural farming households in Nigeria. Intervention policies are needed to promote and enable sustainable livelihoods to eradicate hunger and food insecurity due to high food prices and high household sizes in relation to their low average income to enable rural farming households to economically recover and have the capacity to sustain themselves against future shocks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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22 pages, 1904 KiB  
Article
Feminization of Agriculture: Do Female Farmers Have Higher Expectations for the Value of Their Farmland?—Empirical Evidence from China
by Zhongcheng Yan, Feng Wei, Xin Deng, Chuan Li, Qiang He and Yanbin Qi
Agriculture 2022, 12(1), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12010060 - 04 Jan 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2960
Abstract
An individual’s expectations for the value of farmland are a manifestation of his or her awareness of farmland rights and interests. Differences between male and female farmers in their use of farmland, employment, education, and rights protection may ultimately lead to differences in [...] Read more.
An individual’s expectations for the value of farmland are a manifestation of his or her awareness of farmland rights and interests. Differences between male and female farmers in their use of farmland, employment, education, and rights protection may ultimately lead to differences in the evaluation of land value between the two groups. Clarifying such gender differences in the valuation of farmland and the reasons for them is of great significance for the formulation of policies and scientific research in areas such as the protection of rural women’s rights, nonagricultural employment, and land transfer. In the context of the global “feminization of agriculture”, we start with individuals’ psychological expectations for the value of farmland. We use data on farmland from the 2015 China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) and estimate an OLS regression model. The moderating effects model identifies the impact of gender differences on such expectations and the underlying mechanism. We find that (1) rural female farmers’ psychological expectations for the value of farmland are much lower than those of males due to their disadvantages in receiving information through policy publicization and their greater willingness to transfer into nonagricultural employment, and (2), according to the heterogeneity analysis, better educated female farmers and those living in areas with greater economic and social development expect farmland to be more valuable. These conclusions show that female farmers are currently less aware of their economic rights in rural China than male farmers, and that education, policy propaganda, and economic and social underdevelopment hinder their awareness of women’s rights. We propose policy suggestions to ensure women’s educational rights, promote the adjustment of the industrial structure and of policy propaganda, and balance regional economic and social development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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21 pages, 1247 KiB  
Article
Study on Livelihood Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies of Farmers in Areas Threatened by Different Disaster Types under Climate Change
by Xue Yang, Shili Guo, Xin Deng, Wei Wang and Dingde Xu
Agriculture 2021, 11(11), 1088; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11111088 - 03 Nov 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4406
Abstract
The intensification of global climate change leads to frequent mountain torrents, landslides, debris flows and other disasters, which seriously threaten the safety of residents’ lives and property. However, few studies have compared and analyzed the livelihood vulnerability and adaptation strategies of farmers in [...] Read more.
The intensification of global climate change leads to frequent mountain torrents, landslides, debris flows and other disasters, which seriously threaten the safety of residents’ lives and property. However, few studies have compared and analyzed the livelihood vulnerability and adaptation strategies of farmers in different disaster-threatened areas under the background of climate change. Based on survey data of 327 households in the areas threatened by mountain floods, landslides and debris flow in Sichuan Province, this study analyzed the characteristics of livelihood vulnerability and adaptation strategies of households in the areas threatened by different disaster types and constructed multinomial logistic regression models to explore their correlations. The findings show that: (1) The livelihood vulnerability indices of farmers in different hazard types showed different characteristics. Among them, the livelihood vulnerability index of farmers in landslide-threatened zones is the highest, followed by the livelihood vulnerability index of farmers in debris-flow-threatened zones, and finally the livelihood vulnerability index of farmers in flash flood threat zones. At the same time, all three natural hazards show a trend of higher vulnerability in the sensitivity dimension than in the exposure and livelihood resilience dimensions. (2) The nonfarming livelihood strategy is the main livelihood strategy for farmers in different disaster-type-threatened areas. At the same time, the vulnerability of farmers choosing the nonfarming livelihood strategy is much higher than that of farmers choosing the part-time livelihood strategy and pure farming livelihood strategy, and the vulnerability of sensitivity dimension is higher than that of the exposure dimension and livelihood resilience dimension. (3) For farmers in landslide- and debris-flow-threatened areas, livelihood resilience is an important factor affecting their livelihood strategy. There was a positive correlation between livelihood resilience and farmers’ choice of pure agricultural livelihood strategies in these two natural-disaster-threatened areas. This study deepens our understanding of the characteristics and relationships of farmers’ livelihood vulnerability and adaptation strategies under different disaster types in the context of climate change, and then provides the reference basis for the formulation of livelihood-adaptive capacity promotion-related policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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25 pages, 2984 KiB  
Article
Risk Perception of Rural Land Supply Reform in China: From the Perspective of Stakeholders
by Zhongqiong Qu, Yongxin Wei and Xun Li
Agriculture 2021, 11(7), 646; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture11070646 - 09 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2900
Abstract
The reform of rural land supply market has a profound impact on the rural management and agricultural development. In this article, we want to explore risk perception of multi-subject land supply reform in China. The perception of potential risks from the perspective of [...] Read more.
The reform of rural land supply market has a profound impact on the rural management and agricultural development. In this article, we want to explore risk perception of multi-subject land supply reform in China. The perception of potential risks from the perspective of stakeholders can evaluate the effect of a certain behavioral decision and provide a convincing explanation for further risk control. Based on theoretical analysis and practical investigation, we define the five stakeholders, namely collective economic organizations, farmers, local government, banks and land users, as the respondents of our questionnaire survey. Through in-depth interviews and literature review, we obtained the categories of risks with stakeholders. Data were obtained through questionnaire survey, a total of 307 surveys were conducted to analyze the probability of risk occurrence and the severity of consequences. Frequency analysis, risk matrix method, and Borda count method were used to analyze the survey results in order to determine the risk level and key risk. The research finds that the information asymmetry risk perceived by farmers and the market risk perceived by banks are key risks. In terms of stakeholders, famers and banks perceived the highest overall risks. It implies that the information-disadvantaged stakeholder is usually the one with a strong sense of risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1651 KiB  
Review
Important Policy Parameters for the Development of Inclusive Digital Agriculture: Implications for the Redistributive Land Reform Program in South Africa
by Sukoluhle Mazwane, Moraka N. Makhura and Mmapatla P. Senyolo
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture12122129 - 11 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2238
Abstract
The creation and deployment of digital technologies throughout the agro-food system contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal nine. However, various digitalization studies offer limited insight into the policy issues and solutions around emerging technologies and big data systems in agriculture. There is a [...] Read more.
The creation and deployment of digital technologies throughout the agro-food system contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal nine. However, various digitalization studies offer limited insight into the policy issues and solutions around emerging technologies and big data systems in agriculture. There is a need for an additional understanding of how agricultural policymaking should respond to the usage of digital technologies in the agri-food sector. Furthermore, evidence is limited on how existing agricultural government programs such as land reform can be linked with digitalization policy. This systematic review of literature sought to determine the transformation that is needed in the political and economic environment for the digital revolution to take place within South African land reform agriculture. A thematic analysis of data sampled from ProQuest Central, Scopus, Dimensions, and Google Scholar reveals five areas of intervention from agricultural policymaking. The digital revolution in agriculture can be brought about by transforming digital infrastructure, data interoperability and governance, digital markets, the compatibility of government incentives with the private sector, and the digital cultural landscape. This essay contributes to agricultural policy and decision-making dialogues that pay attention to digital technologies and land reform programs in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developing the Evidence Base for Rural Development Policies and Interventions to Address Novel and Emerging Societal Problems)
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