The Environmental and Socio-Economic Effect of Farmland Management Right Transfer in China: A Systematic Review

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Journal: Land (ISSN 2073-445X)
Manuscript ID: land-1814588
Type: Review
Number of Pages: 25

Title: The environmental and socio-economic effect of farmland management right transfer in China: A systematic review.

Dear Authors,

It has been for me a great honour, as well as a pleasantly challenging activity, to review the article entitled ”The environmental and socio-economic effect of farmland management right transfer in China: A systematic review.”

Overall, the article is interesting and easy to read. However, I suggest that the Authors introduce a few corrections (given below).

In my opinion, the Introduction chapter well introduces potential readers to the topics discussed by the Authors. It is based on well-chosen literature. The Authors have clearly stated the purpose of their study and indicated its novelty (lines 117-126).

However, in my opinion, it is not technically correct to separate just one subchapter (1.1.Conceptualizing farmland transfer in China). Rather, two subchapters should be distinguished. So, I suggest that this part be numbered 1.2, and for the first part of the text (lines 33-126) to be numbered 1.1 with the appropriate title. However, this is only a suggestion that I would like the Authors to think about. I will not, however, insist on this remark.

Materials and Methods

This chapter is written in a clear and understandable way. It is well-illustrated by Figure 2 and Table 1. It is also well divided into logically consecutive subsections. This chapter is based on correctly selected methodological literature. However, in my opinion, the number of methodical references to the literature and the indication of the use of these methods by other researchers could be greater, which would strengthen the justification of the research methods used.

Results

This chapter presents the results of the research obtained in an understandable way. It is logically divided into the following subchapters and subsections. It is well-illustrated by 5 figures.

Discussion

The discussion is properly conducted. It is worth emphasizing and appreciating the fact that the gaps and limitations were identified and refined for further studies.

Conclusions

The conclusions are clear. Another positive factor is the fact that the article is utilitarian and the conclusions reached may be used by policy-makers.

I don't feel competent to comment on linguistic correctness as English is not my mother tongue. I wish the Authors good luck.

Author Response

Reviewer-1

Dear Authors, 

It has been for me a great honour, as well as a pleasantly challenging activity, to review the article entitled ”The environmental and socio-economic effect of farmland management right transfer in China: A systematic review.”

Overall, the article is interesting and easy to read. However, I suggest that the Authors introduce a few corrections (given below).

In my opinion, the Introduction chapter well introduces potential readers to the topics discussed by the Authors. It is based on well-chosen literature. The Authors have clearly stated the purpose of their study and indicated its novelty (lines 117-126).

However, in my opinion, it is not technically correct to separate just one sub-chapter (1.1.Conceptualizing farmland transfer in China). Rather, two sub-chapters should be distinguished. So, I suggest that this part be numbered 1.2, and for the first part of the text (lines 33-126) to be numbered 1.1 with the appropriate title. However, this is only a suggestion that I would like the Authors to think about. I will not, however, insist on this remark.

Author response: Thank you so much for pointing this out.

Materials and Methods

This chapter is written in a clear and understandable way. It is well-illustrated by Figure 2 and Table 1. It is also well divided into logically consecutive subsections. This chapter is based on correctly selected methodological literature. However, in my opinion, the number of methodical references to the literature and the indication of the use of these methods by other researchers could be greater, which would strengthen the justification of the research methods used.

Author response: Thank you

Results

This chapter presents the results of the research obtained in an understandable way. It is logically divided into the following sub-chapters and subsections. It is well-illustrated by 5 figures.

Author response: Thank you

Discussion

The discussion is properly conducted. It is worth emphasizing and appreciating the fact that the gaps and limitations were identified and refined for further studies.

Author response: Thank you so much 

Conclusions

The conclusions are clear. Another positive factor is the fact that the article is utilitarian and the conclusions reached may be used by policy-makers.

I don't feel competent to comment on linguistic correctness as English is not my mother tongue. I wish the Authors good luck.

Author response: Thank you so much

 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Esteemed Authors,

 It has been a great honor and a pleasantly challenging activity to review the article entitled ”The environmental and socio-economic effect of farmland management right transfer in China: A systematic review.”

 

The challenges facing the agri-food chain are numerous and in continuous growth. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to the effect of demographic growth and changes in diets and incomes, the demand for food will likely grow by 70% by 2050. The current outlook of the increasingly global market is mirrored by considerable uncertainties of supply linked to unpredictable economic, political, climatic, and biological developments.

 

Maize production is one of the most critical crop productions. At the level of the European Union, the production of corn occupied second place after that of wheat and spelled: thus, in 2020, the total production of corn (grain maize and corn-cob-mixt) was almost 70 million tons.

 

As a first stage in the agri-food supply chain, the development of primary production must be supported by implementing new technologies for the processing, preservation, and distribution of foodstuffs, both of animal and non-animal origin.

 

The management of agricultural land, including its transfer part, is a fundamental component of agrarian policies, with significant social and economic effects.

 

Crop production is susceptible to prevailing weather and climatic conditions at crucial times of the growing season. For example, depending on a plant’s stage of development, heavy spring frosts can damage the growth of cereals and destroy fruit blossoms. Likewise, spring-to-summer droughts and heat waves can cause significant yield losses, while strong winds and heavy rainfall can make harvesting difficult and compromise quality.

 

When deciding which crops to sow every year, farmers have to think, among other issues, about crop rotations, anticipated profitability, whether there is a market for the harvest, whether they have the right equipment and whether there have been policy changes. These decisions also impact the level of production of specific crops from one year to the next.

 

Plants need sunlight, water, healthy soils, air, and heat to grow, and farmers need suitable weather and soil moisture conditions to conduct the necessary field operations on time. Crop production is sensitive to weather conditions throughout the growing season, especially at harvest. For example, depending on a plant’s stage of development, heavy spring frosts can damage the growth of cereals and destroy fruit blossoms. Likewise, spring-to-summer droughts and heat waves can cause significant yield losses, while strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause harvest losses and compromise quality. Moreover, the use of fertilizers is an essential and mandatory condition for consistent cereal production.

 

Theory-wise, the paper is likely to elicit the interest of specialists in areas such as food security, economy, sustainable development of agriculture, environment protection, public policies, and farmers' behavior. The paper presents essential practical applicability related to food security, environment protection, the sustainable development of agriculture, and the economy. Moreover, the obtained results are relevant to the production sector, particularly certain agri-food products in developing countries.

 

The paper is well structured and possesses an appreciable novelty character. The major components of the article – Review - Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions - are organized judiciously and directly linked to one another.

 

The documentation is adequate, and the provided scientific results are precise. The goal of the conducted research is well specified and delineated. The working protocol is appropriate, and the analysis methods are coherent with the proposed objectives.

 

The bibliography is generous, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Most publications are recent and very recent and provide adequate support for documentation and comparative presentation of results.

 

The work also benefits from adequate iconographic support, materialized by seven figures and two tables. All these iconographic materials are representative of the objectives pursued and reflect synthetically the results of the studies undertaken.

 

The authors should pay more attention to certain abbreviations to avoid confusion; they should use all abbreviations only after at least one mention in the extenso.

 

The obtained results are interpreted correctly, and their practical value is visible.

 

The graphical representation of the results is adequate; as for the paper's grammar, the text is very well written. Consequently, I have only the following recommendations:

 

Page 2, line 49 – replace “stands alone” with “stand alone”;

 

Page 6, line 235 – replace “A total of 1234 articles were” with “A total of 1234 articles was”;

 

Page 11, line 335 – replace “catagory” with “category”;

 

Page 18, line 440 – replace “large scale” with “large-scale”.

 

Despite these minor shortcomings, the authors' work and results are highly commendable. They add significant value to the paper and may constitute a launching pad for further valuable studies.

 

The article can be accepted and published in the Land journal if the authors verify the paper and perform the required corrections.

 

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Reviewer

Author Response

Reviewer-2

 

Esteemed Authors,

 It has been a great honor and a pleasantly challenging activity to review the article entitled ”The environmental and socio-economic effect of farmland management right transfer in China: A systematic review.”

 

The challenges facing the agri-food chain are numerous and in continuous growth. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to the effect of demographic growth and changes in diets and incomes, the demand for food will likely grow by 70% by 2050. The current outlook of the increasingly global market is mirrored by considerable uncertainties of supply linked to unpredictable economic, political, climatic, and biological developments.

 

Maize production is one of the most critical crop productions. At the level of the European Union, the production of corn occupied second place after that of wheat and spelled: thus, in 2020, the total production of corn (grain maize and corn-cob-mixt) was almost 70 million tons.

 

As a first stage in the agri-food supply chain, the development of primary production must be supported by implementing new technologies for the processing, preservation, and distribution of foodstuffs, both of animal and non-animal origin.

 

The management of agricultural land, including its transfer part, is a fundamental component of agrarian policies, with significant social and economic effects.

 

Crop production is susceptible to prevailing weather and climatic conditions at crucial times of the growing season. For example, depending on a plant’s stage of development, heavy spring frosts can damage the growth of cereals and destroy fruit blossoms. Likewise, spring-to-summer droughts and heat waves can cause significant yield losses, while strong winds and heavy rainfall can make harvesting difficult and compromise quality.

 

When deciding which crops to sow every year, farmers have to think, among other issues, about crop rotations, anticipated profitability, whether there is a market for the harvest, whether they have the right equipment and whether there have been policy changes. These decisions also impact the level of production of specific crops from one year to the next.

 

Plants need sunlight, water, healthy soils, air, and heat to grow, and farmers need suitable weather and soil moisture conditions to conduct the necessary field operations on time. Crop production is sensitive to weather conditions throughout the growing season, especially at harvest. For example, depending on a plant’s stage of development, heavy spring frosts can damage the growth of cereals and destroy fruit blossoms. Likewise, spring-to-summer droughts and heat waves can cause significant yield losses, while strong winds and heavy rainfall can cause harvest losses and compromise quality. Moreover, the use of fertilizers is an essential and mandatory condition for consistent cereal production.

 

Theory-wise, the paper is likely to elicit the interest of specialists in areas such as food security, economy, sustainable development of agriculture, environment protection, public policies, and farmers' behavior. The paper presents essential practical applicability related to food security, environment protection, the sustainable development of agriculture, and the economy. Moreover, the obtained results are relevant to the production sector, particularly certain agri-food products in developing countries.

Author response: Thank you so much

The paper is well structured and possesses an appreciable novelty character. The major components of the article – Review - Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions - are organized judiciously and directly linked to one another.

 Author response: Thank you so much

The documentation is adequate, and the provided scientific results are precise. The goal of the conducted research is well specified and delineated. The working protocol is appropriate, and the analysis methods are coherent with the proposed objectives.

  Author response: Thank you so much

The bibliography is generous, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Most publications are recent and very recent and provide adequate support for documentation and comparative presentation of results.

 Author response: Thank you so much

The work also benefits from adequate iconographic support, materialized by seven figures and two tables. All these iconographic materials are representative of the objectives pursued and reflect synthetically the results of the studies undertaken.

 Author response: Thank you so much

The authors should pay more attention to certain abbreviations to avoid confusion; they should use all abbreviations only after at least one mention in the extenso.

 Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We will consider this comments.

The obtained results are interpreted correctly, and their practical value is visible.

 Author response: Thank you so much

The graphical representation of the results is adequate; as for the paper's grammar, the text is very well written. Consequently, I have only the following recommendations:

 

Page 2, line 49 – replace “stands alone” with “stand alone”;

 Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We have made a correction as “……as FLT is not a stand alone issue and…….”

Page 6, line 235 – replace “A total of 1234 articles were” with “A total of 1234 articles was”;

  Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We edited as “…..A total of 1234 articles was retrieved from….”

Page 11, line 335 – replace “catagory” with “category”;

  Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We write “The topical category (TC) was conducted…..”

Page 18, line 440 – replace “large scale” with “large-scale”.

Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We have made the correction accordingly.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the authors' work and results are highly commendable. They add significant value to the paper and may constitute a launching pad for further valuable studies.

 Author response: Thank you

The article can be accepted and published in the Land journal if the authors verify the paper and perform the required corrections.

 

Author response: Thank you so much for your valuable comments and suggestions. 

 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

         This is an interesting and well-written study. A few comments for your reference:

         (1) Land transfer is a thing with Chinese characteristics. It is suggested that the author should compare the private ownership of land in other countries with the unique land system in China before introducing the research topic and related content of this study.

         (2) There are many factors affecting land transfer. Why does the author only focus on environmental and social economic factors, which needs to be explained? At least the author should first introduce the main factors affecting land transfer to our readers, and then further focus on the present two main factors.

         (3) Studies related to land transfer are obviously omitted in the author's references, such as:

Deng, X., Xu, D., Zeng, M., & Qi, Y. (2019). Does early-life famine experience impact rural land transfer? Evidence from China. Land Use Policy, 81, 58-67.

Xu, D., Yong, Z., Deng, X., Zhuang, L., & Qing, C. (2020). Rural-urban migration and its effect on land transfer in rural China. Land, 9(3), 81.

Author Response

     Reviewer-3

This is an interesting and well-written study. A few comments for your reference:

• Land transfer is a thing with Chinese characteristics. It is suggested that the author should compare the private ownership of land in other countries with the unique land system in China before introducing the research topic and related content of this study.

Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We have introduced the topic of land tenure in related with agrarian society at the first stand. There are many nations that they do have there on land tenure. Making comparation with Chinese land tenure system is another research area which needs deep analysis. We appreciate you comments since it is useful for future research.

• There are many factors affecting land transfer. Why does the author only focus on environmental and social economic factors, which needs to be explained? At least the author should first introduce the main factors affecting land transfer to our readers, and then further focus on the present two main factors.

Author response: Thank you for the comment. Our paper is intended to address issues related to the effect of farmland transfer on the environment and socio-economy. We planned to write another review on factors affecting farmland transfer in China in our future. Since we believed that your comments is critical we have added some contents accordingly as follows:

“FLT study in China has three dimensions: 1) Studies on factors affecting such as  early-life famine experience (A), rural-urban migration (B). FLT 2) Studies on the implementation stage of FLT including FLT-period and stability of lease period and 3) Studies on the effect induced by FLT itself which is the central focus of out study.”

         (3) Studies related to land transfer are obviously omitted in the author's references, such as:

Deng, X., Xu, D., Zeng, M., & Qi, Y. (2019). Does early-life famine experience impact rural land transfer? Evidence from China. Land Use Policy, 81, 58-67.

Xu, D., Yong, Z., Deng, X., Zhuang, L., & Qing, C. (2020). Rural-urban migration and its effect on land transfer in rural China. Land, 9(3), 81.

Author response: Thank you for pointing this out. We found that this two articles are very relevant in the land transfer study and we have cited them in the introduction part. However, keep in mind that our paper is focused on the effect induced by farmland transfer not on the factors affecting farmland transfer.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx