Household innovative capacity in marginal areas of China: An empirical study in North Shaanxi

Abstract

With regard to the sustainable livelihoods of the rural poor, a methodological issue facing development professionals is the assessment on the innovative capacity of small farmers in marginal areas which are characterised by the complexity of geographic and resource environments, and the diversity of farmer innovation demand and capacity. Based upon an empirical survey in North Shaanxi of China, this paper conceptualises household innovative capacity (HIC) with three aims: to develop an indicator system for measuring HIC, to reveal the features of HIC among the rural poor and to identify the relevant factors which influences the HIC. The contribution of social capital is highlighted.