China's Disappearing Countryside

This book examines the linkages between land tenure, development and governance in the context of China’s development transformation. Drawing on empirical studies, it advocates the exploration of innovative land tenure systems that address the wider determinants: institutions, power, politics and social development.The book takes a paradigm shift away from those focusing on the narrow meaning of land rights and tenure security strengthening, as these approaches can paradoxically contribute to weaker land and resource governance. The lessons learnt from China also shed light on its global engagement on sustainable development and governance issues.