How to channel state resources into rural society under the withering of grassroots governance: Lessons from the targeted poverty alleviation “pairing-up” support system in China
Rongping Ruan , Li Liu , Fengtian Zheng , Shuang Liu
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Support networks play a crucial role in channeling state resources to rural areas for targeted poverty alleviation (TPA) in China. The “pairing-up” support system (PSS) and its paired helpers are key to this process. This study uses natural randomized trials in a poverty-stricken village to analyze the effectiveness of helpers in alleviating poverty. The results show that, first, the paired helpers exhibit varying levels of effectiveness in collecting information, implementing poverty alleviation policies, and promoting the self-development of poor households. Furthermore, the effectiveness of an organization-reshaped support network is superior to that of an organization-maintained support network. Second, the main factors that restrict the effectiveness of helpers in poverty alleviation are local knowledge and incentive compatibility, but not the helpers' abilities. Third, the PSS design is highly rational in TPA.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Rural Studies publishes research articles relating to such rural issues as society, demography, housing, employment, transport, services, land-use, recreation, agriculture and conservation. The focus is on those areas encompassing extensive land-use, with small-scale and diffuse settlement patterns and communities linked into the surrounding landscape and milieux. Particular emphasis will be given to aspects of planning policy and management. The journal is international and interdisciplinary in scope and content.