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Institutional Change and Agricultural Modernization: The Impact of Land Certification on Agricultural Technology Adoption

Author

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  • Yong Zhan

    (Department of Labor and Social Security, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

  • Xiaoyi Zhan

    (Department of Strategic and Organization Management, Business School, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

  • Min Wu

    (Department of Labor and Social Security, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

Abstract

The adoption of agricultural technologies is paramount for enhancing global agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, widespread implementation faces significant challenges, particularly in developing regions. Using data from the China Land Economic Survey (CLES), this study examines how land certification reform affects farmers’ technology adoption behavior from an institutional perspective. Results demonstrate that land certification significantly increases agricultural technology adoption rates, with more pronounced effects observed among households possessing greater human and physical capital. A mechanistic analysis reveals that land certification facilitates technology adoption through three pathways: (1) improving credit accessibility, (2) strengthening long-term investment incentives, and (3) expanding the production and operational scale. These findings highlight land tenure security as a fundamental institutional driver of agricultural modernization, deepen the understanding of the interaction between institutions and innovation in agriculture, and offer actionable insights for integrating property rights reforms with technological advancements.

Suggested Citation

  • Yong Zhan & Xiaoyi Zhan & Min Wu, 2025. "Institutional Change and Agricultural Modernization: The Impact of Land Certification on Agricultural Technology Adoption," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:7:p:1420-:d:1696122
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