Abstract Based on data of land plots collected in Yunnan province and from the perspectives of goods and trader, this paper studies the adoption and choice of transaction intermediary in agricultural land transfer. Theoretical analysis and empirical study show that demand for lower transaction cost and affordability constrain the use and choice of transaction intermediary in agricultural land transfer. Land consolidation, time limit of maturity and geo-relationship with the trading partner are key factors for the signing of contracts, while characteristics of land and that of household owners have no significant effects. Village collectives have advantage in land consolidation, extension of maturity and coordinating trade across villages. In order to reduce transaction cost and promote an orderly agricultural land transfer, policymakers should regulate and employ the transaction intermediary function of village collectives.
2018, Vol. 35 
