Regional Sustainable Development of Rural Areas Based on HDI - a case of Jilin Province, China

This paper introduces the connotation of Human Development Index (HDI) and its dimensional indices, as well as the HDI comprehensive evaluation method based on entropy weight. And the specific formula and steps for calculation are put forward. This paper also selects the HDI dimensional indices (life expectancy index, education index and GDP index), and constructs the evaluation index system of regional sustainable development. Based on the field investigation on Yushu, Jiutai and Yongji in Jilin Province, relevant data of HDI dimensional indices are collected. According to the comprehensive evaluation method based on entropy weight, sustainable development levels of the three typical rural areas in Jilin Province are evaluated. Result shows that the descending order of the sustainable development status of rural areas is Yongji, Jiutai and Yushu, indicating that the sustainable development levels are relatively backward. Educational levels of the three areas (counties) have a relatively large gap; and the quality of secondary education in rural areas remains to be improved. Ageing of population is growing in Jilin Province, and life expectancy of the three areas (counties) rises sharply. There are small differences among the national economic development of the three areas (counties) with the descending order of per capita GDP index being Yongji, Yushu and Jiutai. Based on this, relevant policy recommendations are put forward. Firstly, improve the continued investment in basic and secondary education in rural areas with practical measures. Secondly, strengthen the rural health care and welfare protection in rural areas in order to improve the living standard of rural residents. Thirdly, while maintaining rapid economic growth, we should pay attention to the population factors and strive to the steady growth of per capita economic level.