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Does Free Compulsory Education Matter for the Green Transformation of Agriculture? Evidence from Rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Junxu Zhou

    (School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yajun Chang

    (School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Rong Peng

    (School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

  • Zijun Liu

    (School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Hang Luo

    (School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China)

  • Min Ji

    (School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role in promoting green development by shaping environmentally friendly production behaviors and fostering low-carbon lifestyles. This research examines the impact of China’s free compulsory education (FCE) policy on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) using provincial panel data from 2002 to 2015. Additionally, it explores the impact mechanisms and regional heterogeneity. The results indicate that first, the FCE policy has a significantly positive effect on AGTFP, as confirmed through a series of robustness tests. Second, the FCE policy primarily influences AGTFP by increasing farmers’ awareness of green production and promoting the development of green technologies in agriculture. Third, the impact of the FCE policy varies across regions. It promotes green technologies in agriculture in developed provinces and fosters ecological awareness among farmers in less developed provinces. These findings offer valuable empirical evidence and policy implications for implementing education popularization projects and reducing agricultural carbon emissions in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Junxu Zhou & Yajun Chang & Rong Peng & Zijun Liu & Hang Luo & Min Ji, 2024. "Does Free Compulsory Education Matter for the Green Transformation of Agriculture? Evidence from Rural China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:5:p:675-:d:1383595
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