Towards a healthy agri-food system in rural China : inequality, digitalization and environmental policy

Abstract

China’s rapid dietary transition has improved overall nutrition but has also increased overweight and obesity, diet-related chronic diseases, and environmental pressures, especially in rural areas. This dissertation examines the drivers of healthy and sustainable agri-food systems in rural China, focusing on income inequality, digitalisation, and environmental policy. The results show that income inequality increases obesity risks among low-income groups; internet use improves dietary quality but raises health risks while reducing food-related carbon and water footprints; and environmental policy enhances agricultural TFP in the short term. Overall, the findings highlight essential trade-offs and interactions between health, digitalisation, and environmental sustainability, offering policy-relevant insights for developing countries undergoing rapid agri-food system transitions.