The prosperity of China's people has advanced very much in recent decades. However, in many respects China is still a developing country, and this is especially true of rural areas where economic progress has not been as marked as in urban areas and where many people still live in relative poverty. The Chinese government recognizes that more hard work is needed in order to improve prosperity in the countryside. This book provides a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the situation in China's rural areas, assesses the effectiveness or otherwise of current policies, and puts forward proposals for further development. Subjects covered include the changing population profile of rural areas, land ownership, agricultural improvements, and local self-government.

The prosperity of China's people has advanced very much in recent decades. However, in many respects China is still a developing country, and this is especially true of rural areas where economic progress has not been as marked as in urban areas and where many people still live in relative poverty. The Chinese government recognises that more hard work is needed in order to improve prosperity in the countryside. This book provides a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the situation in China's rural areas, assesses the effectiveness or otherwise of current policies and puts forward proposals for further development.

"The book is a milestone, both in bringing out the flip and flop sides of the development scene and making policy recommendations to mend the situation. Notwithstanding, it lays down framework for the academics, decision makers and the general readership alike to take a leaf from China's experimentations." Dr. Sheo Nandan Pandey, OSD (Retd.), PMO, Govt. of India, New Delhi