Impact of “localized” rural workforce on food production: based on a comprehensive analysis of three major markets

The return of rural labour has led to a rise in the 'localization' of work, which in turn has triggered changes in the structure of household labour. In the context of food security, the impact of this change on food production deserves attention. Analyzes the impact of 'localized' and 'non-localized' rural labour on food production using data from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS). The results show that: (1) 'localized' labour is more likely to promote food production than 'non- localized' labour. (2) 'localized' and 'non-localized' workers can inhibit food production by increasing the time share of labour inputs. (3) 'localized' and 'non-localized' workers can promote food production by increasing the level of survival security of workers. (4) Market heterogeneity and food type heterogeneity have differentiated effects on the impact of 'localization' on food production. Based on this, the study suggests that we should promote the industrialization and urbanization of prefectures, maximize the non-farm income of part-time labourers and the 'trinity' of the local land transfer market, agricultural socialized service market, and employment market.