A survey conducted by China Zero Survey Company shows that over 70 percent of rural inhabitants are satisfied with their overall living conditions. Some 25.6 percent and 3.5 percent of farmers feel unsatisfied and very unpleased.
By way of sample survey the 2001 China's Rural Resident Living Condition Research Report interviewed 1,115 families in Liaoning, Tianjin, Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, Anhui, Zhejiang, Guangdong, a total of 11 provinces and municipalities.
The survey covers eight indices, they are interpersonal relations, entertainment, family economic condition, endurance for commodity price adjustment, overall economic development level of the country, the country's international status, social security and satisfaction of surrounding nature environment.
The result indicates that 70.8 percent of rural residents are content with their current living conditions, meanwhile, 25.6 percent and 3.5 percent of farmers feel unsatisfied and very unpleased. The average score for the overall satisfaction of rural citizens is at 3.50, higher than 3.30 of the urban residents' score.
About 82.1 percent of the surveyed are optimistic about the perspective of life in the coming five years and they think that life will become better or very good in the five years to come. 9.1 percent of people do not think there will be a further change for the better in life and the people who are pessimistic does not take up 5 percent. The average score for future life is at 3.95, a bit higher than 3.90 of urban residents.
The survey shows that among all appraisal factors, the satisfaction on interpersonal relations is the highest, the lowest goes to family economic condition. Although food problem is no longer a major factor affecting farmers' life, housing problem still fail to satisfy rural citizens.
What rural people are concerning for most is centered on the problem of unauthorized fee collection and kids education and in the meanwhile, tax burden is also their most worried problem.
China Sets Targets for Rural Work in 2002
China has set as one of its most important tasks in 2002 the vigorous adjustment of the agricultural structure in a move to increase the income of farmers.
Top priority should be given to the quality, sanitation and safety of food products, and efforts should be made to establish quality standards for farm produce, a system for examining and testing farm produce, and to develop organic and pollution-free food products.
More must be done to speed up the return of reclaimed farmland,as well as barren hills and land, to afforested areas.
(People’s Daily December 31, 2001)
