Routledge Sustainable Development in Rural China: Farmer Innovation and Self-Organisation in Marginal Areas

Product Description Sustainable development in marginal areas, especially in those where rural poverty and environmental degradation are interwoven, is a great concern of development agencies worldwide, and much effort is put into development programmes, technology transfer schemes and so on. The problem is particularly acute in China, where increasing regional differences and inequality are eroding governmental poverty reduction efforts and exacerbating ecological crises. This book, based on extensive original research, examines the situation in China, especially in the Loess Plateau of Shaanxi Province. It explores in particular how farmers have organised themselves to initiate technical innovation, and considers communication networks and co-operative mechanisms. It discusses successful self-organisation, and how interfaces with external development agencies and with institutional innovation might be handled, highlighting the potential of farmer innovation initiatives, especially when they are linked with external development and environmental improvement programmes. Review 'The book is full of interesting observations and ideas and is a fortunate combination of theory and empirical verification. ... The author (and his advisors) can be congratulated on a fine piece of work.' - Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture 'The book is a valuable addition to the studies on agricultural extension in China.' - The China Journal About the Author Before his academic career, Dr Bin Wu has spent many years in China's countryside, army camps and urban factory. Related to his interdisciplinary background, he has a wide range of research interests regarding the interrelation between environment, technology and society, with special consideration for the role of ordinary people.