China’s agricultural modernization model is today faced with significant limitations in terms of social and environmental sustainability. The change in trajectory, which will be difficult, will not come about without a recognition of smallholders. [...] Food supply security is a priority issue for China. The risks associated with the strategy that would involve relying on increasingly volatile global markets to feed over a billion people prompt the Government to maintain high objectives for national agricultural production in its successive 5-year plans. However, these objectives are difficult to achieve due to the scarcity of the country’s resources. Indeed, with only 7% of arable land, China needs to feed almost 20% of the world’s population. In addition, the country has a relatively low amount of water resources, which are unevenly distributed over a territory that has vast desert areas (Gobi Desert) and where the north-east is marked by recurring droughts (which are expected to worsen due to climate change). [...] >> Lire la tribune en ligne [...]
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