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Mechanization outsourcing clusters and division of labor in Chinese agriculture

In: An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?

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  • Zhang, Xiaobo
  • Yang, Jin
  • Reardon, Thomas

Abstract

Despite small landholdings, a high degree of land fragmentation, and rising labor costs, agricultural production in China has steadily increased. If one treats the farm household as the unit of analysis, it is difficult to explain the conundrum. When seeing agricultural production through the lens of the division of labor, the puzzle can be easily solved. In response to rising labor costs, farmers outsource some power-intensive stages of production, such as harvesting, to specialized mechanization service providers, which are often clustered in a few counties and travel throughout the country to provide harvesting services at competitive prices. Through such an arrangement, smallholder farmers can stay viable in agricultural production.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Xiaobo & Yang, Jin & Reardon, Thomas, 2020. "Mechanization outsourcing clusters and division of labor in Chinese agriculture," IFPRI book chapters, in: An evolving paradigm of agricultural mechanization development: How much can Africa learn from Asia?, chapter 2, pages 71-96, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifpric:9780896293809_02
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    CHINA; EAST ASIA; ASIA; agricultural mechanization; policies; technology; governance; agriculture; clusters; agricultural production; remuneration; farmers; smallholders; rural areas; farm equipment; pesticides; fertilizers; supply balance; harvesters; harvesting; surveys; labour; outsourcing; farm mechanization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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