A review of rural transformation studies: Definition, measurement, and indicators
Dong Wang, Chunlai Chen, Christopher Findlay
Abstract
The paper reviews studies of rural transformation in three dimensions – definition, measurement and indicators – and summarises the findings of rural transformation research. The scope of rural transformation includes four elements – productivity, rurality, inclusiveness and sustainability. Current concepts of the dimensions of rural transformation and their associated indicators are insufficient for policy decision-making, as they are missing objectivity, feasibility, accountability, comprehensiveness, and comparability. Future research to develop new measures to assess rural transformation in developing countries is valuable. Furthermore, there is potential to explore the topic in some directions: urbanisation strategy; institution, policy and investment; gender inclusiveness; market creation; and international trade.