Social learning and dynamics of farmers’ perception towards hollowed village consolidation

• Published in: Habitat international 2022-10, Vol.128, p.102652, Article 102652
• Main Authors: Li, Yurui, Wang, Qianyi, Zhang, Xuanchang, Fan, Pengcan, Cheong, Kee Cheok
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: China; Dynamic perceptions; Hollowed village consolidation; Key settlements; Rural revitalization; Social learning
• ISSN: 0197-3975; 1873-5428
• DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2022.102652

Current literature about the effectiveness of land consolidation especially hollowed village consolidation (HVC) is dominated by static studies interpreting the failures and success of certain project in a specific stage. However, HVC as a complex progress takes time to take effects with social learning modifying perceptions of those affected. Based on survey data on residents' characteristics, living conditions and perceptions, and K-means Clustering Method and ANOVA analysis, this paper depicted how farmers' perceptions of HVC are changed. Under the guidance of social learning theories, this research found that farmers' acceptance of HVC gradually increased with the progressive integration of the rural community in regional development. However, inter-group differentiation could be detected, with their household characteristics. The authors argue that the decision makers should pay attention to the three-stage authority and policy foci development process in HVC program implied by social learning theory. The decision maker should respect the development procedures and underpin the key driving factors affecting rural households’ satisfaction at a every stage thus ensuring the effectiveness of HVC: (stage 1) sufficient publicity, participation promotion, and stakeholder integration should be highlighted before implementation; (stage 2) communal administration, community activities, industrial development and sector integration should be given more attention to achieve better construction performance in the developing stage; and (stage 3) self-innovation, mutual coordination, community awareness, common well-being are key factors for sustainable development of newly built key settlements/communities. •Land consolidation with resettlement as a complex progress takes time to take effects, in which social learning modifies perceptions of those affected.•The paper describes the rural households' dynamic perceptions and reveal the mechanism behind changes using K-means Clustering Method and variance analysis.•The strategies with diverse focus should be mapped out in every phase of the program to ensure its effectiveness, delegating the authority from government, to local community and local residents gradually.