A Study on the Income-Enhancing Effects of Upgrading Agricultural Value Chains in Southwest Border Regions
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jbm.202609205
Author(s)
Qingyue Ye1,2
Affiliation(s)
1School of Business Administration, Baise University, Baise, Guangxi, China
2The Revitalization and Development of Old Revolutionary Areas in Guangxi, Baise, Guangxi, China
Abstract
This paper investigates the mechanisms through which agricultural value-chain upgrading drives income growth among farmers in China’s southwestern border regions, using eight land-border counties in Guangxi as a case study. It first establishes a theoretical framework linking the value chain, its upgrading, and income enhancement, explicitly integrating "border-region characteristics." Through field surveys, interviews, and data analysis, the study maps the current value-chain structure, upgrading pathways, achievements, and challenges. An econometric model confirms that participation in high-value processing, brand building, e-commerce, organizational development, and technology adoption significantly increases farm operating income. Crucially, the study identifies that the unique "port-economy" effect, advantages from the "border-trade market," and potential for "cross-border agricultural cooperation" play irreplaceable roles in shaping the region’s "border-effect" and driving upgrading. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a systematic set of actionable recommendations. These focus on macro-guidance, enterprise leadership, cooperative bridging roles, and enhancing farmers’ capabilities to promote systemic transformation. The ultimate goal is to achieve common prosperity for border residents, sustainable regional economic development, and strategic border stability.
Keywords
Agricultural Value Chain; Value-Chain Upgrading; Income-Increasing Effect; Border Regions; Border Counties
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