Abstract: This study takes the shrimp-rice co-culture model in Hubei Province, China, as a case to examine the effects and heterogeneity of farmers' choices of combinations of information sources on “shrimp-rice co-culture” rice (SRR) output and risks. We first employ a flexible random production function based on moment estimation to quantify and assess the output and risks of SRR. Then, the multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model is used to estimate the average treatment effects of combinations of information sources on SRR output and risks. The data for this study were sourced from surveys conducted among shrimp-rice co-culture farmers in Hubei Province in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Compared to obtaining information only from public sectors, farmers who combine information from digital platforms with either information from public sectors or neighbor interactions can more effectively achieve synergy in increasing output, stabilizing output volatility and controlling downside output risk. However, only young, highly educated farmers who integrate information from public sectors, neighbor interactions and digital platforms can achieve synergy among all three. Furthermore, part-time farmers, farmers with higher social capital and those with smaller operating scales exhibit differentiated effects of choosing a combination of two or more sources of information in specific situations on their output and risks. Farmers' sources of agricultural information significantly affect their output performance, yet existing research has seldom focused on the systematic combination of multiple information sources when farmers acquire information. Using SRR as a case, this study provides the first attempt to rigorously examine the effects of combinations of information sources on agricultural output and risks.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyze whether rural mothers who participated in non-farm work (PNFW) can lift their children out of multidimensional poverty by enhancing women’s empowerment in the context of China. This study uses nationally representative data, the rural sample of China Family Panel Studies 2018–2020, which includes specific children’s questionnaires. The AF method is used to measure multidimensional poverty among children aged 3–15 years. Local rainfall shock is employed as an instrumental variable (IV) for women’s PNFW choice and IV estimation is performed. (1) Rural mothers’ PNFW significantly alleviates their children’s poverty and reduces deprivation in multiple dimensions, especially in education and living conditions. Compared to mothers who stay in farm work, children with mothers who participate in non-farm work are less likely to be deprived of multidimensional poverty. (2) Improved women’s empowerment is the mechanism by which the rural mothers’ PNFW lift their children out of poverty. Rural mothers who have a non-farm job have higher intrahousehold bargaining power and self-esteem, probably favoring children in family resource allocation and providing better parenting, thus reducing the deprivation of their children. Unlike existing research that focuses on increased income and decreased companionship for children, this study provides novel evidence that engaging in non-farm work can empower rural mothers, reducing their children’s multidimensional poverty.

Abstract: Previous research has found an association between with early childhood development (ECD) and paternal beliefs and evidence suggests that paternal beliefs about their own role in child rearing might affect parental involvement. However, there has been no such empirical study in rural China. This study examines the interrelationships among paternal beliefs, parental involvement and ECD among rural Chinese children. Data used for this study were collected from 6-to-42-month-old children and their primary caregivers in southwestern China in 2020. ECD was assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III. Paternal beliefs were assessed with the Role of the Father Questionnaire. The non-parametric regression methods were used to construct the factor scores of ECD. The ordinary least squares models, the mediation models and the bootstrapping approach were employed to investigate the interrelationships of paternal beliefs, parental involvement and ECD. A large share of the sample children displayed delays in cognitive, language and social-emotional development. Paternal involvement significantly mediated the link between paternal beliefs and child cognitive and social-emotional development, while maternal involvement mediated the associations between paternal beliefs and child language and social-emotional development. This study provides a unique contribution by utilizing unique data fathers' beliefs and their involvement in parenting to investigate the underlying mechanisms of how the role of fathers in parenting can lead to the improvement of early child developmental outcomes. This study also provides the first empirical evidence on the role of paternal beliefs in fostering human capital formation during the early stages of life in rural China. This study suggests that shifting paternal beliefs and improving parental involvement are effective pathways to benefit rural children in their early development.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices on the climate resilience of tea cultivation. This study applies the conditional mixed process model to mitigate the observed and unobserved endogeneity issues associated with the number of CSA practices adopted and estimate its impact on the variables representing tea cultivation’s climate resilience. A total of 753 samples from tea growers were analyzed, collected from the main tea-growing areas of Sri Lanka. Tea cultivation’s climate resilience is measured using two variables: yield loss incidence (a dummy variable) and yield loss quantity (a left-censored variable). The author finds that adopting more CSA practices can effectively reduce the occurrence and quantity of tea yield loss. Disaggregated analysis suggests that the reduction effects of CSA practice adoption on yield loss incidence and quantity are more pronounced for rural households with elderly heads and those cultivating large farmlands. Moreover, our study also confirms that CSA practice adoption effectively reduces the incidence of droughts and floods as well as the overuse of chemical fertilizers in tea cultivation. Based on the empirical findings, the author suggests that the government should promote land transfer and climate change advocacy among tea farmers to encourage the further adoption of CSA practices. Regarding the heterogeneous impact of CSA practice adoption across household head age and farm size tertiles, the government should give special support to young tea farmers and small-scale farmland cultivators. Moreover, policy instruments should be regionally targeted, as the western region of Sri Lanka is disadvantaged in the popularization of CSA practices. Although a growing body of literature focuses on the role of CSA practice adoption in enhancing farmers’ climate resilience, little is known about its impact on the sustainability of high-value agriculture. Moreover, the knowledge of the specific context in which CSA practice adoption plays a role is limited. Additionally, indirect indicators (e.g. yield variance and skewness) used in prior literature measuring climate resilience tend to be plagued by measurement errors. This study presents a pioneering attempt to analyze the association between the adoption of CSA practices and the climate resilience of tea cultivation, measured by two direct indicators (i.e. yield loss incidence and yield loss quantity). Disaggregated analysis by household head age and farm size tertiles helps us identify the specific context in which the adoption of CSA practices enhances the climate resilience of tea cultivation.

Abstract: Purpose The trade-enhancing effect of regional trade agreements (RTAs) has been proved by many studies, while the differential roles of tariffs and non-tariff changes in RTAs have received little attention. This paper attempts to explore the source of trade effects of RTAs. Design/methodology/approach This paper focuses on 12 RTAs signed by China and decomposes the trade effect of RTAs into tariff and non-tariff effects using a structural gravity model. We further examine the heterogeneous effects of the two measures at national and product levels. Findings This research finds that (1) though RTAs have promoted China’s agricultural exports overall, non-tariff changes of RTAs show a negative effect; (2) tariff changes have a more significant promoting effect on China’s exports to developing countries than to developed countries, but non-tariff changes also have a significant opposite effect on the exports to these countries and (3) the trade effects of tariff changes do not exhibit significant heterogeneity at the product level, while non-tariff changes significantly hinder exports of agricultural products that China has comparative advantages in. Research limitations/implications Since only 12 RTAs signed by China are considered, although this could reflect the trade effects of tariffs and non-tariff changes of RTAs signed by developing countries, we believe it would be more interesting and meaningful to carry out further work on its impact on developed countries’ agricultural exports and compare it with the result of developing countries. We leave this comparison for future studies. Practical implications It is suggested that member countries should pay more attention to non-tariff changes and reach deeper RTAs to achieve a more transparent trading environment. And it is crucial to evaluate the effect of the RTAs and solve trade barriers timely. Originality/value The number of RTAs has been increasing. However, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) have also risen during the past 20 years. The question “What roles are tariffs and non-tariff changes of RTAs playing respectively” has yet to be answered. Decomposing the trade effects of RTAs and exploring the source of their trade effects help us better understand and utilize trade policy tools.

Abstract: This article aims to identify the structural characteristics of China’s agricultural collaborative innovation network (ACIN) and explore the mechanisms influencing its formation. Utilizing the data of agricultural science and technology co-authored papers, cooperative patents and jointly authorized varieties from 2012 to 2023, we adopt Social Network Analysis to identify the whole structural characteristics of the ACIN and apply Exponential Random Graph Model to investigate the influence mechanisms of the ACIN formation. ACIN formation is jointly promoted by agricultural science, technology and innovation (ASTI) capability, openness breadth, geographical province assortativity and geographical neighbor assortativity, albeit with gradually diminishing positive impacts. In contrast, openness depth, ASTI investment foundation, ASTI benefit foundation, organization assortativity, society assortativity and ASTI capability assortativity generally impede ACIN formation, though these negative effects weaken over time. We innovatively explore agricultural science and technology collaborative innovation (ASTCI) enhancement through network optimization. Defining the connotation of the national ACIN, we comprehensively demonstrate and analyze the influence mechanisms of the national ACIN formation from the combined influence of endogenous and exogenous factors.

Abstract: Purpose Bt brinjal, a genetically modified (GM) variety of eggplant, was introduced in Bangladesh in 2014 to combat the eggplant fruit and shoot borer disease. Although extensive research has focused on farmers' willingness to adopt GM crops, the post-adoption behavior and the consistency between willingness and behavior remain underexplored. This study addresses these gaps by assessing the consistency between farmers' willingness and behavior regarding Bt brinjal adoption and the factors influencing their willingness, adoption behavior, and the consistency between willingness and behavior. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey of 308 farmers in Bangladesh was conducted. A bivariate probit model was used to analyze factors influencing adoption willingness and behavior simultaneously, while binary logistic regression examined determinants of willingness-behavior consistency. Findings The findings reveal that among the surveyed farmers, 64% initially expressed willingness to adopt Bt brinjal, while 36% were unwilling. Of those who were initially willing, 43% actually adopted it, showing consistent behavior, whereas 21% did not follow through, indicating inconsistency. Factors such as agricultural labor share, brinjal cultivation experience, organizational membership (e.g. NGOs), positive attitudes, and perceived ease of use significantly influenced willingness, behavior, and consistency. Conversely, frequent pesticide application and risk perceptions have had negative impacts. Originality/value This study is among the first attempts to comprehensively analyze the determinants influencing farmers' willingness to adopt, their behavior, and their willingness-behavior consistency regarding GM vegetable crop adoption. These findings are highly relevant for optimizing policies to enhance Bt brinjal adoption and offer valuable insights for promoting GM crop adoption in similar agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Purpose The reconfiguration of rural labor represents a crucial pathway toward adapting to high temperatures. This study examines the mechanisms through which high temperatures influence labor allocation and proposes effective strategies to enhance the adaptability of rural labor forces to these effects. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing panel fixed effects and long differences methods, we examined the short- and long-term effects of high temperatures on labor forces. Income ratios across sectors and non-agricultural training were designed for the investigated mechanisms. Regional heterogeneity was utilized as a potential explanation for variations in estimation results. Findings We found that high temperatures increase the non-agricultural workdays for rural labor and decrease agricultural workdays, with a greater long-term impact compared to the short-term. This effect is achieved by altering labor returns in non-agricultural and agricultural sectors and increasing the likelihood of non-agricultural training for labor reallocation. Additionally, we observed significant differences in high-temperature effects between the northern and southern regions. Practical implications To strengthen the rural labor’s ability to cope with high temperatures, focus on expanding non-agricultural training in affected regions. This facilitates their transition and enhances resilience. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the short- and long-term effects of high temperatures on rural labor forces in China using micro-level data and the long differences method. It expands existing literature by investigating impact mechanisms, validating findings and analyzing regional heterogeneity.

Abstract: Purpose Agricultural insurance is an effective tool for agricultural risk management, which changes household production decisions by reducing the cost of risk-taking for agricultural operators. However, few studies have examined its impact on rural labor. This study examines the causal effect of agricultural insurance on the allocation of rural household labor and its potential mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes a two-way fixed effects model based on panel data from 2019 to 2021 from the National Fixed-Point Survey of rural China, considering the three major grain crops: wheat, maize and rice. Findings The results indicate that agricultural insurance significantly affects household labor allocation by increasing the proportion of household agricultural labor. Mechanism analysis reveals that agricultural insurance influences this outcome by increasing the probability of land transfer and expanding the area of transfer-in land by small-scale households (less than 10 mu). Heterogeneity analysis finds that the effect varies based on the share of agricultural operating income, township administrative center and agricultural cultivation size. Further analysis confirms that cash and garden crop insurance also significantly increase the proportion of the household agricultural labor. Originality/value Few studies have empirically analyzed the labor allocation effects of agricultural insurance or how these effects vary across crop types. This study fills these gaps, providing valuable guidance for assessing the policy effects of agricultural insurance in the cropping sector.

Abstract: Purpose The global trading environment has experienced a significant transformation with the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the growing prevalence of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). In line with this global trend, China, which joined the WTO in 2001, had signed 16 RTAs with 24 countries and regions by 2018. Furthermore, in 2013, the Chinese government launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at fostering regional integration and economic growth through extensive infrastructure projects and trade liberalization agreements (Huang, 2016; Zhao et al., 2024). Despite growing global integration, trade continues to be shaped by border effects – the restrictive impact of national and geographic boundaries on trade flows, particularly in the sensitive agricultural sector. To explore this issue, this study analyzes how border effects shape China’s agricultural trade and examines the impact of RTAs and the BRI on trade dynamics. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a gravity model to examine the impact of border effects on agricultural trade between China and its 36 trading partners, including Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the European Union and the United States, over the period from 2001 to 2018. Findings The results indicate that China’s border effects on agricultural imports and exports are asymmetric, with import border effects being larger than export border effects. From 2002 to 2018, these border effects have generally declined, reflecting reduced trade frictions and deeper integration into the global market. Additionally, country-specific border effects reveal that the greater a country’s reliance on agricultural imports from its trading partner, the lower its border barriers tend to be. While RTAs and the BRI have positively influenced trade, the persistently high border effects observed in some participating countries suggest that factors beyond trade agreements play a crucial role in shaping trade barriers. Originality/value Asymmetric border effects underscore the need for a country-specific policy approach that effectively addresses these disparities. To further reduce border effects and foster trade, efforts should focus not only on lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers through policy factors but also on addressing non-policy factors such as home bias, which can hinder cross-border trade expansion.

Abstract: Purpose This research paper examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty, energy price shocks and carbon emissions on food inflation from a global perspective, for the period of 2001–2023. Design/methodology/approach To calibrate the economic policy uncertainty, carbon emissions and energy price shock, we apply the economic uncertainty index of Baker et al. (2016), carbon dioxide in a million tonnes and the energy price index. Finally, to accomplish the relevant objectives, we exert the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and panel Granger non-causality model. Findings We can summarise the key empirical insights from this pragmatic examination as follows: Initially, the panel ARDL outcome suggests that in the long-run, economic policy uncertainty and energy inflation positively influence food inflation. The result further reveals that a surge in economic policy uncertainty and energy inflation would lead to an increase in food prices in the long run in these panel countries. Secondly, the relevant outcome demonstrates that, in the long run, carbon emissions do not have a significant impact on food prices across the panel nation. Finally, the causality analysis concludes that there is unidirectional causality from energy inflation, carbon emissions and economic policy uncertainty to food inflation. Originality/value This investigation aims to add three aspects to the theme of food inflation. First of all, we endeavour to capture the presence of the underlying impact of economic policy uncertainty, energy price shock and carbon emissions on food prices. Second, current research extends the literature by employing panel data econometric analysis in the above context. Furthermore, our research is novel in that we consider carbon emissions to reveal their impact on food prices, whereas none of the previous analyses ever contemplated the impact of carbon emissions on food prices. Finally, by extending this analysis to a heterogeneous economic outlook that includes both advanced and emerging economies globally, it provides policymakers with a clear understanding of an effective strategy for managing food inflation and achieving sustainability.

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how digital inclusive finance (DIF) (namely, digital tools capable to provide affordable, accessible and sustainable financial services to underserved populations, therefore including rural communities) affects agriculture-related global value chain (GVC) participation at the country-industry level along Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Design/methodology/approach To focus on this impact, we calculate a relatively comprehensive composite index of digital financial inclusion (IDFI) across 40 countries adhering to BRI, and then explore the relationship between DIF and the country-industry level agriculture-related GVC participation of these BRI countries from 2007 to 2021. Findings First, we find that DIF determines a U-shaped agriculture-related GVC participation of these BRI countries. The development of DIF could encourage producers in rural regions to reduce the GVC-related production activities at initial stages and then increase them at the later stages. Second, by considering mechanism analysis, this article explores the non-linear effects of DIF. Through multi-threshold estimation, we discover that DIF has an impact on GVC participation through three threshold variables, including IDFI itself, human capital quality and institutional quality. Originality/value The contribution of this paper lies at the intersection of financial development and global sequential production activities, focusing on agriculture-related industries of low- and middle-income countries adhering to the BRI. Its conclusions provide indications to policymakers as to the potential beneficial effects of DIF in terms of global production networks.

Abstract: Purpose The High-Standard Farmland Construction (HSFC) Policy, implemented by the Chinese Government in 2011, is a key initiative aimed at improving farmland quality and ensuring food security. However, does the construction of high-standard farmland (HSF) comprehensively safeguard food security? This paper systematically aims to evaluate the impact of the HSFC policy on food production. Design/methodology/approach Continuous difference-in-differences (DID) method is used in this study. 2011 marked a key turning point for the nationwide implementation of the HSFC policy. Given that the construction of HSF is a gradual process, with significant variation in the timing and extent of construction across regions, the traditional DID model does not accurately capture the impact of HSF construction on food production resilience. Therefore, this paper employs a continuous DID method to estimate the effects of HSF construction on food production resilience. Findings The implementation of the HSFC policy has significantly enhanced food production resilience. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the policy has notably improved food production resilience in western regions and non-major grain-producing areas. Additionally, mechanism tests show that the policy affects food production resilience through two channels: increasing land transfer rates and raising agricultural loan balances. Originality/value This paper further enriches the body of research on the impact of the HSFC policy on food security. We suggest that the government could continue to promote the construction of HSF, effectively supervise and manage the construction process, ensure adequate funding and safeguard food security.

Abstract: Purpose This study combines the Energy Ladder and Family Altruism Theory to analyze the impact of non-agricultural employment and family separation on energy poverty, and combines the Oprobit model and CMP estimation to explore the effects of non-agricultural employment and family separation on non-agricultural employment while controlling for endogeneity. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes the impact of non-agricultural employment and family separation on rural household energy poverty by utilizing data from the Chinese Family Panel Study (CFPS) and employing the Oprobit Model and Conditional Mixed Process Estimation. Findings (1) Non-agricultural employment significantly alleviates rural energy poverty; (2) Spatial and intergenerational family separation weakens the mitigating effect of non-agricultural employment on energy poverty; (3) Income plays an intermediary role in the impact of non-agricultural employment on energy poverty, but family spatial separation also weakens the intermediary role of income. Originality/value Firstly, this study reveals that the household separation and left-behind problems caused by non-agricultural employment in China has resulted in a loss of efficiency in improving energy welfare through non-agricultural employment. Secondly, in terms of research methodology, by using the conditional mixed process (CMP) estimation method, we controlled for endogeneity between non-agricultural employment and energy poverty, to obtain more accurate conclusions.

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to examine the asymmetric effects of price increases and decreases on the food demand and nutrient intake of rural households, especially low-income households. Design/methodology/approach With household pooled cross-sectional data from 2018–2020 in rural China, the price elasticities of demand for food and nutrients are estimated via the almost ideal demand system (AIDS) with reference prices, and then a simulation is undertaken based on the estimated elasticities. Findings The price elasticities of demand for food and nutrients show significant asymmetric responses to price increases and declines. Food demand is more sensitive to price decreases than to increases, which is more obvious for other households than for the low-income group. This asymmetric pattern may be dominated by stockpiling behaviors. Stockpiling helps households amplify the benefits of reducing food prices. Moreover, nutrient elasticities indicate that nutrient intake is more sensitive to price increases due to substitution between foods. The simulation results suggest that changes in food prices increase the gap in food consumption and nutrient intake between lower- and higher-income classes in rural China. Practical implications This study offers insights into preventing nutritional poverty and improving diet in terms of food prices. Originality/value We estimate the asymmetric price elasticity of food demand in rural China via AIDS with reference prices, which corrects the systematic error in elasticities estimated by traditional demand system models. The vulnerability of low-income households to price fluctuations and stockpiling behaviors is revealed in rural China.

Abstract: Purpose This study aims to explore the efficacy of three different information interventions (negative information highlighting the negative impacts of conventional meat consumption, positive information emphasizing the benefits of plant-based meat alternative (PBMA) consumption, and a combination of these two types) for enhancing consumers’ preference for PBMA. Design/methodology/approach In this study, we use a hypothetical choice experiment and a between-subject design to empirically investigate the effects of different types of information on consumers’ willingness to pay for PBMA. Findings The results indicate that consumers are unwilling to pay for PBMA, but they are willing to pay a high premium for PBMA labeled as low fat and high protein. We find that negative information, either alone or in combination with positive information, successfully increased consumers’ preference for PBMA. Conversely, the use of positive information alone failed to have the same impact. Practical implications Our findings provide important implications for stakeholders in designing effective communication strategies to encourage consumers towards the consumption of PBMA. Originality/value This research is the first attempt to explore the effectiveness of negative information (i.e. information on the negative impacts of conventional meat consumption) on consumers’ preference for plant-based meat.