Balancing Acts: Unveiling the Dynamics of Revitalization Policies in China’s Old Revolutionary Areas of Gannan

Abstract

A series of revitalization policies (RPs) have been implemented in China’s Old Revolutionary Areas (ORAs). Evaluating the impact of these RPs is of paramount importance for refining policy design and achieving the goal of common prosperity. This study focuses on the ORAs in Gannan (ORAG) and employs the Propensity Score Matching Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) method to assess the effects of the RPs from two perspectives: stimulating economic growth and increasing farmers’ income, utilizing county-level data spanning from 2006 to 2019. The findings of this study reveal that while the RP restrains the growth of per capita GDP in ORAG, it significantly promotes the growth of farmers’ income. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in reducing the income gap between ORAG and Jiangxi Province, thus promoting the common prosperity of farmers in ORAG. A detailed examination using quantile regression shows that the RP has a significant and consistent negative impact on GDP per capita GDP at different quantile points. At the same time, it has a significant positive effect on increasing farmers’ income at the 25% quantile point, effectively reducing income inequality among farmers at all quantile levels. The mechanism analysis shows that the RP has stimulated increased government investment in ORAG, leading to an increase in farmers’ incomes and a reduction in income disparities. However, the study also highlights the existence of a “policy trap” that has hindered the RP’s effectiveness in ORAG. Drawing upon these findings, this paper offers policy recommendations to enhance the impact of RP in ORAs.

Impact of Non-Agricultural Employment on Food Security in China’s Old Revolutionary Base Areas

“…It is worth noting that the soil characteristics of China are diverse [62]. In addition, it is necessary to formulate corresponding soil-management measures and large-scale agricultural management policies according to the specific geographical environment, soil characteristics, and agricultural needs, especially in mountainous areas, hilly areas, and other special terrain [63]. Local governments should also strengthen the coordination of regional development plans and policies and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between major grain-producing areas and non-major grain-producing areas and between southern and northern regions.…”