Assessing conflict of farmland institutions using credibility theory: Implications for socially acceptable land use

Abstract

Farmland institutional change has resulted in remarkable growth in agricultural productivity in rural China since the start of the economic reforms in 1978. Yet, numerous studies have signaled the emergence of conflicts because farmland institutions cannot adequately respond to the challenges of social and economic transition. These studies generally examine the level and/or frequency of conflict. Conversely, this research moots that a more comprehensive assessment of conflict is needed to understand the performance of farmland institutions. In this context, this study uses the Conflict Analysis Model (CAM) as predicated upon the credibility thesis to assess an additional set of variables, i.e., the source, actors, timing, intensity, and outcome of farmland-related conflicts. Based on a set of court cases (n = 133), farmland conflicts are classified into two types, pertaining to first, the termination of the contract right; second, the transfer of contract right. This study reports the following critical findings: (1) conflicts caused by the termination of the contract right are closely related to expropriation; (2) 90% of the conflict occurs between farmers (individuals or groups) versus authorities (local government or village committees); (3) they feature high conflict intensity and a late timing; (4) the most important source of farmland conflict pertaining to the transfer of contract right concerns disputes over the status holder of contract right; (5) around 50% of these conflicts occurs between farmers, while another 34% occurs between farmers vs. authorities; (6) this type of conflict features low intensity and early timing. It is concluded that empty institutions emerge since farmers and public administrations are unwilling or unable to implement farmland institutions. Furthermore, abusive behaviors of the actors that exercise public authority reduce the credibility of farmland institutions. This study offers new insights into realizing a more socially acceptable land use strategy in the socioeconomic transition of China in particular and of developing countries in general.