IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v15y2023i2p974-d1025702.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The Future of Agriculture: Obstacles and Improvement Measures for Chinese Cooperatives to Achieve Sustainable Development

Author

Listed:
  • Yi Qu

    (Department of Marketing, Yantai Institute of China Agricultural University, Yantai 264670, China)

  • Jing Zhang

    (Research Center for Rural Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100810, China
    Digital Village Innovation Research Center, Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Weifang 261325, China)

  • Zhenning Wang

    (School of Law, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China)

  • Xinning Ma

    (School of Marxism, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing 102445, China)

  • Guangcheng Wei

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

  • Xiangzhi Kong

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

Abstract

The Chinese government pays close attention to sustainable development and takes an active approach to strengthening and standardizing such development. As the organizational vehicle for China’s large population, cooperatives can organize 230 million small farmers to promote sustainable development. However, some scholars have raised concerns about Chinese cooperatives and questioned their role in promoting sustainable development. Based on a review of China’s government support policy, this study summarizes the development characteristics of nine cooperatives and summarizes issues from opposite aspects. Furthermore, this study also analyzes the basic situation of the Chinese government’s quality improvement pilot county initiative and draws conclusions about the best ways to achieve sustainable development. We also make some policy proposals on achieving the sustainable development of Chinese cooperatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Yi Qu & Jing Zhang & Zhenning Wang & Xinning Ma & Guangcheng Wei & Xiangzhi Kong, 2023. "The Future of Agriculture: Obstacles and Improvement Measures for Chinese Cooperatives to Achieve Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:974-:d:1025702
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/2/974/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/2/974/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Liyan Yu & Jerker Nilsson, 2019. "Social Capital and Financial Capital in Chinese Cooperatives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-15, April.
    2. Xu, Yining & Liang, Qiao & Huang, Zuhui, 2018. "Benefits and pitfalls of social capital for farmer cooperatives: evidence from China," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 21(8), September.
    3. Qiao Liang & George Hendrikse, 2013. "Core and Common Members in the Genesis of Farmer Cooperatives in China," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(3-5), pages 244-257, April.
    4. Adewumi, Matthew Olaniyi & Adebayo, Fatimoh. A., 2008. "Profitability and Technical Efficiency of Sweet Potato Production in Nigeria," Journal of Rural Development/Nongchon-Gyeongje, Korea Rural Economic Institute, vol. 31(5), pages 1-16, November.
    5. Qiao Liang & George Hendrikse & Zuhui Huang & Xuchu Xu, 2015. "Governance Structure of Chinese Farmer Cooperatives: Evidence From Zhejiang Province," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(2), pages 198-214, April.
    6. Oliver E. Williamson, 2000. "The New Institutional Economics: Taking Stock, Looking Ahead," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 38(3), pages 595-613, September.
    7. Ito, Junichi & Bao, Zongshun & Su, Qun, 2012. "Distributional effects of agricultural cooperatives in China: Exclusion of smallholders and potential gains on participation," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(6), pages 700-709.
    8. Mark Granovetter, 2005. "The Impact of Social Structure on Economic Outcomes," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 19(1), pages 33-50, Winter.
    9. Henriksen, Ingrid & Hviid, Morten & Sharp, Paul, 2012. "Law and Peace: Contracts and the Success of the Danish Dairy Cooperatives," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 72(1), pages 197-224, March.
    10. Ma, Wanglin & Abdulai, Awudu, 2016. "Does cooperative membership improve household welfare? Evidence from apple farmers in China," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 94-102.
    11. Fischer, Elisabeth & Qaim, Matin, 2012. "Linking Smallholders to Markets: Determinants and Impacts of Farmer Collective Action in Kenya," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(6), pages 1255-1268.
    12. MCarmen Martínez†Victoria & Mariluz Maté Sánchez†Val & Narciso Arcas†Lario, 2018. "Spatial determinants of productivity growth on agri†food Spanish firms: a comparison between cooperatives and investor†owned firms," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 49(2), pages 213-223, March.
    13. Kumar, Anjani & Saroj, Sunil & Joshi, P.K. & Takeshima, Hiroyuki, 2018. "Does cooperative membership improve household welfare? Evidence from a panel data analysis of smallholder dairy farmers in Bihar, India," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 24-36.
    14. Hao, Jinghui & Bijman, Jos & Gardebroek, Cornelis & Heerink, Nico & Heijman, Wim & Huo, Xuexi, 2018. "Cooperative membership and farmers’ choice of marketing channels – Evidence from apple farmers in Shaanxi and Shandong Provinces, China," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 53-64.
    15. Liang, Qiao & Hendrikse, George, 2016. "Pooling and the yardstick effect of cooperatives," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 97-105.
    16. Andrei CECHIN & Jos BIJMAN & Stefano PASCUCCI & Decio ZYLBERSZTAJN & Onno OMTA, 2013. "Drivers Of Pro-Active Member Participation In Agricultural Cooperatives: Evidence From Brazil," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 84(4), pages 443-468, December.
    17. Michelson, Hope & Reardon, Thomas & Perez, Francisco, 2012. "Small Farmers and Big Retail: Trade-offs of Supplying Supermarkets in Nicaragua," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 40(2), pages 342-354.
    18. Iliopoulos, Constantine & Valentinov, Vladislav, 2018. "Cooperative longevity: Why are so many cooperatives so successful?," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 10(10), pages 1-8.
    19. Tan, Shuhao & Heerink, Nico & Kruseman, Gideon & Qu, Futian, 2008. "Do fragmented landholdings have higher production costs? Evidence from rice farmers in Northeastern Jiangxi province, P.R. China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 347-358, September.
    20. Kindie GETNET & Tsegaye ANULLO, 2012. "Agricultural Cooperatives And Rural Livelihoods: Evidence From Ethiopia," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 83(2), pages 181-198, June.
    21. Mateos-Ronco, Alicia & Guzman-Asuncion, Sandra, 2018. "Determinants of financing decisions and management implications: evidence from Spanish agricultural cooperatives," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 21(6), July.
    22. Snider, Anna & Gutiérrez, Isabel & Sibelet, Nicole & Faure, Guy, 2017. "Small farmer cooperatives and voluntary coffee certifications: Rewarding progressive farmers of engendering widespread change in Costa Rica?," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 231-242.
    23. Jerker Nilsson & Gunnar L.H. Svendsen & Gert Tinggaard Svendsen, 2012. "Are Large and Complex Agricultural Cooperatives Losing Their Social Capital?," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(2), pages 187-204, March.
    24. Jos Bijman & George Hendrikse & Aswin Oijen, 2013. "Accommodating Two Worlds in One Organisation: Changing Board Models in Agricultural Cooperatives," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(3-5), pages 204-217, April.
    25. Yang, Dan & Liu, Zimin, 2012. "Does farmer economic organization and agricultural specialization improve rural income? Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 990-993.
    26. Theo Benos & Nikos Kalogeras & Frans J.H.M. Verhees & Panagiota Sergaki & Joost M.E. Pennings, 2016. "Cooperatives’ Organizational Restructuring, Strategic Attributes, and Performance: The Case of Agribusiness Cooperatives in Greece," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(1), pages 127-150, January.
    27. Chagwiza, Clarietta & Muradian, Roldan & Ruben, Ruerd, 2016. "Cooperative membership and dairy performance among smallholders in Ethiopia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 165-173.
    28. Jasper Grashuis & Alexandre Magnier, 2018. "Product differentiation by marketing and processing cooperatives: A choice experiment with cheese and cereal products," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(4), pages 813-830, October.
    29. Constantine Iliopoulos & Vladislav Valentinov, 2018. "Cooperative Longevity: Why Are So Many Cooperatives So Successful?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-8, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Qiao Liang & Kangwei Ma & Wenhao Liu, 2023. "The role of farmer cooperatives in promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural development in China: A review," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 94(3), pages 741-759, September.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Meiyuan Wang & Bin He & Jinsong Zhang & Yanan Jin, 2021. "Analysis of the Effect of Cooperatives on Increasing Farmers’ Income from the Perspective of Industry Prosperity Based on the PSM Empirical Study in Shennongjia Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Guangcheng Wei & Xiangzhi Kong & Yumeng Wang, 2022. "Will Joining Cooperative Promote Farmers to Replace Chemical Fertilizers with Organic Fertilizers?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Jasper GRASHUIS & Ye SU, 2019. "A Review Of The Empirical Literature On Farmer Cooperatives: Performance, Ownership And Governance, Finance, And Member Attitude," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 90(1), pages 77-102, March.
    4. Wanglin Ma & Awudu Abdulai, 2017. "The economic impacts of agricultural cooperatives on smallholder farmers in rural China," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 537-551, September.
    5. Ahmet Candemir & Sabine Duvaleix & Laure Latruffe, 2021. "Agricultural Cooperatives And Farm Sustainability – A Literature Review," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(4), pages 1118-1144, September.
    6. Bo Wang & Po-Yuan Cheng & Brian Lee & Lih-Chyun Sun & Hung-Hao Chang, 2019. "Does Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives Affect Farm Sustainability? Empirical Evidence from Taiwan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(18), pages 1-12, September.
    7. Lin, Bin & Wang, Xiaoxi & Jin, Songqing & Yang, Wanjiang & Li, Houjian, 2022. "Impacts of cooperative membership on rice productivity: Evidence from China," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    8. Lei Wu & Chuanjian Li & Yang Gao, 2022. "Regional agricultural cooperatives and subjective wellbeing of rural households in China," Regional Science Policy & Practice, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 14(S2), pages 138-158, November.
    9. Hao, Jinghui & Heerink, Nico & Heijman, Wim & Bijman, Jos, 2017. "Cooperatives Membership And Smallholder Farmers’ Welfare - Evidence From Shaanxi And Shandong Provinces, China," 2017 International Congress, August 28-September 1, 2017, Parma, Italy 260914, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    10. Wanglin Ma & Sanghyun Hong & W. Robert Reed & Jianhua Duan & Phong Luu, 2023. "Yield effects of agricultural cooperative membership in developing countries: A meta‐analysis," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 94(3), pages 761-780, September.
    11. Yuanyuan Peng & H. Holly Wang & Yueshu Zhou, 2022. "Can cooperatives help commercial farms to access credit in China? Evidence from Jiangsu Province," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 70(4), pages 325-349, December.
    12. Huma Neupane & Krishna P. Paudel & Mandeep Adhikari & Qinying He, 2022. "Impact of cooperative membership on production efficiency of smallholder goat farmers in Nepal," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(2), pages 337-356, June.
    13. Sara D. Elder, 2019. "The impact of supermarket supply chain governance on smallholder farmer cooperatives: the case of Walmart in Nicaragua," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 36(2), pages 213-224, June.
    14. Wanglin Ma & Hongyun Zheng & Yueji Zhu & Jianling Qi, 2022. "Effects of cooperative membership on financial performance of banana farmers in China: A heterogeneous analysis," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(1), pages 5-27, March.
    15. Fang Wu & Xibao Guo & Xia Guo, 2023. "Cooperative membership and new technology adoption of family farms: Evidence from China," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 94(3), pages 719-739, September.
    16. Jan Falkowski & Pavel Ciaian, 2016. "Factors Supporting the Development of Producer Organizations and their Impacts in the Light of Ongoing Changes in Food Supply Chains: A Literature Review," JRC Research Reports JRC101617, Joint Research Centre.
    17. Theo Benos & Nikos Kalogeras & Martin Wetzels & Ko De Ruyter & Joost M. E. Pennings, 2018. "Harnessing a ‘Currency Matrix’ for Performance Measurement in Cooperatives: A Multi-Phased Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-38, December.
    18. Guoqiang Liu & Dakuan Qiao & Yuying Liu & Xinhong Fu, 2022. "Does Service Utilization Improve Members’ Welfare? Evidence from Citrus Cooperatives in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, May.
    19. Kifle T. Sebhatu & Fatemeh Taheri & Tekeste Berhanu & Miet Maertens & Steven Van Passel & Marijke D'Haese, 2021. "Beyond focus: Exploring variability of service provision of agricultural cooperatives," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 92(2), pages 207-231, June.
    20. Liyan Yu & Jerker Nilsson & Feng Zhan & Song Cheng, 2023. "Social Capital in Cooperative Memberships and Farmers’ Access to Bank Credit–Evidence from Fujian, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-18, February.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:974-:d:1025702. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.