ABSTRACT
Foodgrain consumption has dropped in both rural and urban China in recent years. In this chapter we look into the dynamics of foodgrain consumption in rural China and discuss the causes that have led to such dynamics. It is noted that changes in the direct consumption of foodgrains are closely related to the consumption of other foods; hence, it is necessary to examine foodgrain consumption patterns in the broad context of food consumption. Further, Chinese rural and urban residents are two distinct consumer groups. It is useful to analyse the consumption dynamics of the two groups separately. We will discuss foodgrain consumption in urban China in the next chapter.
