Arable Land Loss in Rural China: Policy and Implementation in Jiangsu Province

Abstract

This article discusses the loss of farmland in Jiangsu Province China the Land Administration Law and the national effectiveness of land management policies. The article presents a description of the arable land loss in Jiangsu Province the land management bureaucracy and land management practices in three townships. Evidence reveals that arable land loss is continuing despite national efforts to slow or reverse the losses. The relationship between the Chinese state and townships is complex and far from unified. Local self-interests may differ from the interests of higher level leaders. The bureaucratic apparatus of the nation penetrates local areas but local bureaucrats must balance competing interests. Local leaders must place a priority on conservation of arable land. Arable land accounts for 9.96% of total land area. During 1949-92 cultivated land area declined by 2.51% but population increased from about 542 million to over 1.158 billion. Per capita arable land area declined from an estimated 2.71 mu to about 1.26 mu during 1949-91. Land losses resulted from expansion of rural housing factories roads and other construction projects during the 1980s. A National Land Administration Law was passed in 1986. An estimated 20-33% of reclaimed farmland escaped registration. A Land Management Bureau was set up with offices at all levels. Each township or town level government was required to work out a management plan that would restrict nonagricultural uses of land and promote construction on nonagricultural land. Capital construction must follow established rules and approval by governments. The law stipulates penalties and compensation. In Jiangsu 18% of farmland was lost during 1949-92. Per capita arable land declined from 2.35 mu to .98 mu in Jiangsu. Loss was primarily due to village construction. Administration of national law resulted in many cases of illegal land use. Land losses increased when rural economic growth increased during the 1990s.