Our students are back from an inspirational two weeks in China for one of our latest faculty led study trips, focused on agrarian change. 🌏 The trip was led by Global Development Emeritus Professor of the Practice Terry Tucker and Visiting Associate Professor Juan Liu from China Agricultural University, College of Humanities and Development Studies. Here are a few highlights from the experience, in no particular order:
🔺 Exploring the historical role of agriculture in China and key concepts through lived experiences in Sanggang Village, Hebei, learning about agriculture, rural areas, and farmers, the rural-urban divide, and modernization
🔺 Tracing major agrarian transitions, from collectivization and the Household Responsibility System to the rise of Township and Village Enterprises
🔺 Learning about the impacts of urbanization, migration, and rural depopulation on rural communities
🔺 Investigating agricultural modernization, including technological advances, cropping systems, and environmental trade-offs in Beijing and Sichuan
🔺 Discussing the persistence of traditional knowledge and the emergence of alternative food networks, such as organic farming and community-supported agriculture
🔺 Engaging with contemporary rural policy and governance through China’s Rural Revitalization Strategy, land reforms, and grassroots initiatives
