Factors Affecting Farmers’ Agricultural Training Participation Decision in Rural China: An Approach Using Geographically Weighted Regression

Abstract

Agricultural training is a vital part of human resource development policy in rural China. However, low participation rates limit the effectiveness of training programs. This study employs a geographically weighted regress-based (GWRbased) technique to explore the determinants of farmers’ willingness to participate in agricultural training programs using the latest micro-data collected in 2014 from a nationwide sample. GWR results show that gender and family expenditure on education/training have significant local effects on the frequency of participation in training programs. The study suggests that the regional difference between training participation decision and the impact factors should be considered in the design and implementation of the training programs in the regions.