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Health, economic, and social implications of COVID‐19 for China's rural population

Author

Listed:
  • Huan Wang
  • Sarah‐Eve Dill
  • Huan Zhou
  • Yue Ma
  • Hao Xue
  • Sean Sylvia
  • Kumi Smith
  • Matthew Boswell
  • Alexis Medina
  • Prashant Loyalka
  • Cody Abby
  • Dimitris Friesen
  • Nathan Rose
  • Yian Guo
  • Scott Rozelle

Abstract

This study examines the effects of local and nationwide COVID‐19 disease control measures on the health and economy of China's rural population. We conducted phone surveys with 726 randomly selected village informants across seven rural Chinese provinces in February 2020. Four villages (0.55%) reported infections, and none reported deaths. Disease control measures had been universally implemented in all sample villages. About 74% of informants reported that villagers with wage‐earning jobs outside the village had stopped working due to workplace closures. A higher percentage of rural individuals could not work due to transportation, housing, and other constraints. Local governments had taken measures to reduce the impact of COVID‐19. Although schools in all surveyed villages were closed, 71% of village informants reported that students were attending classes online. Overall, measures to control COVID‐19 appear to have been successful in limiting disease transmission in rural communities outside the main epidemic area. Rural Chinese citizens, however, have experienced significant economic consequences from the disease control measures.

Suggested Citation

  • Huan Wang & Sarah‐Eve Dill & Huan Zhou & Yue Ma & Hao Xue & Sean Sylvia & Kumi Smith & Matthew Boswell & Alexis Medina & Prashant Loyalka & Cody Abby & Dimitris Friesen & Nathan Rose & Yian Guo & Scot, 2021. "Health, economic, and social implications of COVID‐19 for China's rural population," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 52(3), pages 495-504, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:52:y:2021:i:3:p:495-504
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.12630
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gray Molina George & Montoya-Aguirre María & Ortiz-Juarez Eduardo, 2022. "Temporary Basic Income in Times of Pandemic: Rationale, Costs and Poverty-Mitigation Potential," Basic Income Studies, De Gruyter, vol. 17(2), pages 125-154, December.
    2. Wenjin Long & Junxia Zeng & Tongquan Sun, 2021. "Who Lost Most Wages and Household Income during the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Poor Rural China?," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 29(6), pages 95-116, November.
    3. Liang, Xiao & Rozelle, Scott & Yi, Hongmei, 2022. "The impact of COVID-19 on employment and income of vocational graduates in China: Evidence from surveys in January and July 2020," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).

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