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Technological Integration and Obstacles in China’s Agricultural Extension Systems: A Study on Disembeddedness and Adaptation

Author

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  • Xinran Hu

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Bin Xiao

    (School of Humanities and Law, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Zhihui Tong

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

Abstract

In light of China’s evolving agricultural technology extension system, this study investigates a critical issue known as “technological disembeddedness”. This phenomenon, observed in the context of the country’s push towards administrative and market-oriented extension, reflects a significant disconnect between the formalized methods of technology extension, such as classroom instruction, and the practical needs of farmers. As a consequence, the envisioned improvements in agricultural production efficiency have not materialized as expected. The analysis, based on fieldwork conducted in Shandong Province from 2019 to 2020, identifies that different stakeholder interests have further exacerbated the situation. Agricultural technology extension, driven by diverse agendas, has been utilized as a tool for profit, resulting in a stark disparity in farmers’ access to technology and the emergence of multiple, formalized extension models. This marginalized small-scale farmers and undermined the initial objectives of the extension system. The study proposes a fundamental shift in approach. It advocates for a social-centric perspective on technology extension, suggesting that the solution lies in harnessing local community dynamics to gradually build a technology extension system that aligns with the practical realities of farmers’ production and daily lives. In summary, the study identifies “technological disembeddedness” as a primary challenge within China’s agricultural technology extension system. It underscores the need to reorient the approach towards a more socially connected model, with a focus on the local community’s role in creating a technology extension system that genuinely serves the needs of farmers.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinran Hu & Bin Xiao & Zhihui Tong, 2024. "Technological Integration and Obstacles in China’s Agricultural Extension Systems: A Study on Disembeddedness and Adaptation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:859-:d:1322228
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jiabin Xu & Zhaoda Cui & Tianyi Wang & Jingjing Wang & Zhigang Yu & Cuixia Li, 2023. "Influence of Agricultural Technology Extension and Social Networks on Chinese Farmers’ Adoption of Conservation Tillage Technology," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-23, June.
    2. Spielman, David J. & Ekboir, Javier & Davis, Kristin, 2009. "The art and science of innovation systems inquiry: Applications to Sub-Saharan African agriculture," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 399-405.
    3. Hu, Ruifa & Cai, Yaqing & Chen, Kevin Z. & Huang, Jikun, 2012. "Effects of inclusive public agricultural extension service: Results from a policy reform experiment in western China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 962-974.
    4. George W. Norton & Jeffrey Alwang, 2020. "Changes in Agricultural Extension and Implications for Farmer Adoption of New Practices," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(1), pages 8-20, March.
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