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Are Rural Residents Willing to Pay for Sanitation Improvements? Evidence from China’s Toilet Revolution

Author

Listed:
  • Xinyang Lyu

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

  • Zhigang Wang

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

  • Cheryl Wachenheim

    (Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58101, USA)

  • Shi Zheng

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

Abstract

The “Rural Toilet Revolution” is a pivotal initiative aimed at improving living conditions and health standards in rural China. Utilizing data from 683 questionnaire responses from rural residents across China, this study constructs a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance system and delves into the current state of rural toilets, assesses the average willingness of rural residents to invest in toilet upgrades, and identifies key factors influencing their financial commitment to such renovations. The findings reveal that the average willingness to pay for the modernization of sanitation facilities is CNY 791 (approx. USD 110), constituting approximately 26.37% of the actual renovation costs, and the ratio of government and residents’ contributions can be determined as 3:1. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the frequency of toilet cleaning and the propensity to invest in upgrades, highlighting a heightened awareness of hygiene risks among those prioritizing sanitation. Conversely, satisfaction with existing toilets inversely affected the willingness to pay for improvements, indicating that contentment with current toilets diminishes the likelihood of participation in renovation initiatives. Additionally, previous engagement in toilet renovation programs emerged as a significant predictor of continued willingness to contribute financially to the “Toilet Revolution”, underscoring the positive impact of prior renovation experiences.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinyang Lyu & Zhigang Wang & Cheryl Wachenheim & Shi Zheng, 2025. "Are Rural Residents Willing to Pay for Sanitation Improvements? Evidence from China’s Toilet Revolution," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-22, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:821-:d:1631828
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