Coupling Farmers' Quality of Life with Rural Revitalization Policy in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area

Abstract The main societal challenge in China has shifted to balancing the population’s growing demand for an improved quality of life with limited, uneven development. This study examines how rural population characteristics influence rural revitalization policies in a city within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through in-depth interviews with local farmers and Q methodology analysis, we identify three farmer archetypes based on their views toward industry, talent, culture, environment, and organizational structures revitalization: modern management, local nostalgia, and negative livelihood. Each group shares concerns regarding farmland preservation, favorable weather, and homestead security, highlighting common policy needs such as protecting arable land, improving soil fertility, expanding agricultural insurance, constructing high-standard farmland, supporting facility agriculture, and confirming homestead rights. Farmers recognize that diminishing arable land poses significant challenges to agricultural progress, while technology and operational scaling are vital to mitigating weather-related risks. Diverse aspirations shape each group’s pursuit of a "good life": modern managers seek government support for a thriving rural economy; local nostalgists prioritize stable operations and sales networks; and negative livelihood types favor improved rural infrastructure and cultural amenities. For effective policy promotion, local authorities should align policies with farmers’ unique needs and backgrounds to foster active participation in revitalization efforts.