Cultivating Decline: Agricultural Modernization Policy and Adaptive Resilience in the Yangzi Delta

Ross Doll

doi:10.1007/s10745-020-00206-9

Abstract

Since it was initiated in the mid-2000s, the Chinese central government’s agricultural modernization policy has had fundamental impacts on China’s agricultural system. Premised on creating a foundation for long-term sustainable development, modernization has broadly expanded large-scale, mechanized farming. Historically, however, China’s Yangzi River Delta achieved long-term sustainable development without capital-intensifying and mechanizing technological innovation. Rather, diverse and autonomous land use and grassroots governance practices facilitated knowledge-sharing, knowledge-building, and adaptation. Drawing on this history as a reference point for analysis, I examine the influence of agricultural modernization policy on adaptive resilience using a case study of a Yangzi Delta township that was an early recipient of central government funding in support of its contemporary effort to expand large-scale farming. I find that the implementation of agricultural modernization policy reform in Ruilin has undermined its resilient practices and features, rendering the township vulnerable to disturbance.

Highlights

Beginning in the mid-2000s, the Chinese central government began funding the expansion of domestic large-scale production of grain and other agricultural commodities
China’s states and rural societies achieved long-term sustainable development via alternative practices aligned with resilient agroecology
I find that the implementation of agricultural modernization policy reform in Ruilin has undermined its adaptive resilience practices, conditions, and features

Summary

Introduction

Beginning in the mid-2000s, the Chinese central government began funding the expansion of domestic large-scale production of grain and other agricultural commodities. The state played a critical role, ensuring the sustainability of this development both by investing in water control and extension, protecting peasants from exploitation, and by adapting its policies based on communication across governance and spatial scales Together, these hallmarks, features, and practices allowed the Yangzi Delta system to anticipate, buffer, and respond to change and disturbances. Over this long dynastic period rural Delta society “was independent of state initiative in maintaining a favorable condition for agricultural production” (Shih 1992: 179) These levels of governance protection, connection, and autonomy shaped, and were shaped by, Delta peasant farming practices and market exchanges. These practices allowed them to reduce their expenses and sustain themselves during years of poor harvests

Background

Findings

Conclusion