Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development: Integrating Small-Scale Farmers in China Through Agricultural Social Services

The quest for sustainable agricultural development has become increasingly imperative in the face of a projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050. While current grain yields meet societal demands, concerns over resource depletion, soil degradation, and health risks related to conventional agricultural practices persist. This paper delves into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable agriculture in China, focusing on the integration of small-scale farmers into modern agricultural practices. The study categorizes existing agricultural management modes in China, such as family farms, agricultural enterprises, and cooperative models, and investigates the factors influencing precision land management (PLM). Anchored in the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) extension decision model, the research provides theoretical insights into the complex decision-making processes of farmers. A comprehensive meta-analysis reveals the interplay between individual-level micro-variables, macro-institutional factors, and meso-social and economic elements in shaping PLM. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of agricultural social services in facilitating the transition to large-scale management modes. Policymakers are urged to incentivize the inclusion of small-scale farmers by promoting such services, thereby advancing sustainable agriculture and modernizing China’s agricultural landscape. This research contributes to both theoretical and practical knowledge, offering a foundation for understanding the intricate dynamics of agricultural decision-making and guiding policy efforts towards a more sustainable agricultural future.