A Study on the Professionalization of Young Part-Time Farmers Based on Two-Way Push–Pull Model

Abstract

A growing number of young Chinese farmers are abandoning agriculture. This research aimed to identify ways to stimulate enthusiasm among young people for choosing careers in agriculture and to promote the professionalization of young part-time farmers. This study surveyed 310 young part-time farmers in Chongqing City and Tianjin City. We constructed the Two-Way Push–Pull (TWPP) model to assess the willingness of young part-time farmers to work professionally in agriculture. The results show that agricultural policy support, hometown attachment, agricultural income, and agricultural industrialization significantly influence young part-time farmers’ willingness to pursue professional farming careers. However, risks of farming, children’s education, urban housing, and non-farm income negatively impact their willingness. The government must strengthen policy support’s influence on their willingness to motivate young part-time farmers to become professional farmers. This could include reducing farming risks, advancing agricultural industrialization, improving farmers’ professional status and reputation, and increasing the quality of rural public services.