Rural human capital engineering: theoretical basis, conceptual models and policy direction for the “ARF” problems in China

This paper analyzes the necessity of implementing rural human capital engineering from the perspective of practical demands firstly. Then it points out the theory vacancy of this area by going through the literatures, and the theoretical basis of the topic is therefore located. In this way, the topic of rural human capital engineering is brought forth from both perspectives of practical necessity and theory evolution. After that, it illustrates the logic and conceptual framework for solving the problems of "ARF" (agriculture, rural land, farmers) in China. In the light of this framework, we come to the conclusion that the key to the "ARF" (agriculture, rural land, farmers) problems is improving the farmers\´ diathesis (i.e. the reserve and flux of rural human capital), and implementing rural human capital engineering. Using system engineering theory and strategy management theory, this paper finally formulates a four-dimensional systematic model to resolve the "ARF" problems. This paper holds that it is a systematic circle including strategy selection, strategy planning (formulation), strategy implementation, strategy control, strategy assessment, and strategy feedback. It establishes the rural human capital engineering system comprehensively from the following four sub-systems: rural human capital investment system, rural human capital financing system, the transfer and flowage of rural labors, and rural education investment & social security system.