Circular Agriculture Offers Hope for China's Smallholder Farmers
Smallholder farmers, who produce most of China's food, face challenges from modernization efforts that favor large-scale farming. A promising solution, 'circular agriculture', encourages cooperation and sustainability. A recent study in southwest China, combining pomelo growing with pig breeding, offers insights into this approach.
The study, conducted by Li and Nielsen in 2025, involved 35 interviews with stakeholders. It revealed the crucial role of local governments in facilitating cooperation platforms for circular agriculture projects. However, political motivations can lead to challenges in smallholder autonomy and fair representation in decision-making.
Circular agriculture projects, like the one combining pomelo and pig farming, can benefit everyone when smallholders have a voice and power in shaping their future. This approach encourages cooperation between large- and small-scale farming operations, with agricultural cooperatives playing a central role in business management.
Smallholder farmers, who are vital to China's food production, can be marginalized by modernization efforts. Circular agriculture, which focuses on sustainability and cooperation, offers a solution. However, for it to truly benefit everyone, smallholders must have a significant role in decision-making processes.
