From Farms to Futures: The Impact of Centralised Relocation on Non‐Agricultural Employment Transitions

ABSTRACT Addressing spatial and relocation poverty traps remains a key challenge in global poverty alleviation. This study assesses the impact of the Anti‐Poverty Relocation Centralised Resettlement policy on non‐agricultural employment using longitudinal data from 857 households (2014–2020). By applying multi‐period difference‐in‐differences, mediation analysis and difference‐in‐differences‐in‐differences models, this study systematically investigates the promotional effects of the Anti‐Poverty Relocation Centralised Resettlement policy on the non‐agricultural employment transition of relocated households. Impact pathway analysis highlights the critical role of employment opportunities and vocational training in facilitating employment transitions. In contrast, agricultural production support policies exert a concealing effect, discouraging shifts to non‐agricultural employment. The results further reveal that urban resettlement is more effective than industrial park resettlement, and that larger communities provide greater employment benefits than smaller ones. These insights offer policy recommendations for addressing spatial and relocation poverty traps.