Agricultural performance on marginal land in Eastern Inner Mongolia,China – Development in the pre- and post-1978 reform periods |
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| Authors: | Sara Brogaard Xiubin Li |
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| Institution: | (1) Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUC SUS), Lund University, P.O. Box 170, Se-22100 Lund, Sweden;(2) Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China |
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| Abstract: | Rapid economic development in the aftermath of the Chinese post-1978 reforms has resulted in a shrinking of grain grown area
in the southern and eastern regions of the country which in turn is believed to have put the marginal northern regions under
increased pressure. This paper examines key indicators of agricultural performance as well as cultivated land area development
of the pre- and post-1978 reform periods focusing on the agro-pastoral Tongliao City Prefecture, eastern Inner Mongolia. The
results are related to the village level development through a case study as well as to the provincial level. Average annual
grain per capita production increased from about 400 kg in the late 1970s to more then 1000 kg in the late 1990s. This was
achieved through a combination of intensification and reclamation of cropland, with the latter restricted to pastoral classified
counties. Production variability, in particular for the low producing counties, has also increased possibly as an effect of
the substitution of traditional mixed pattern of crops with HYV monocultures. Average living standards have improved but have
been accompanied by widening income gaps. Poor farmers’ livelihoods continue to be insecure, particularly during dry years.
Concern is raised regarding the sustainability of the rapid agricultural development; an increased use of costly fertilisers
constrains poorer farmer’s economy and may lead to deteriorating water quality while increasing irrigation depletes water
resources. |
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| Keywords: | China grain production household vulnerability Inner Mongolia land use rural reform sustainability |
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