Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Protection of Farmers' Land Rights in China

Abstract

Like in other parts of the world, land rights are crucial for f farmers in China too for they livelihoods and well- being. However, farmers often face various challenges in protecting their land rights, such as  unclear property rights, inadequate legal protection, and insufficient compensation for land acquisition. This paper aims to establish a conceptual framework for understanding the protection of farmers' land rights in China thus addresses the farmer’ land rights problems in a better manner. The proposed framework which is built based on review of existing literature and an analysis of the current situation of farmers' land rights protection in China focuses on legal, institutional, and social dimensions. The legal dimension examines the legal basis for farmers' land rights, their executions and the effectiveness of the legal regulations in protecting these rights. The institutional dimension explores the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies and organizations in safeguarding farmers' land rights. The social dimension considers the impact of social factors, such as culture, tradition, and power relations, on the protection of farmers' land rights. When adopted the proposed framework could serve as a comprehensive guidance for the policy and decision makers of the government, farmers and other stakeholders to understand the protection of land rights.