Effectiveness of Grassland Protection and Pastoral Area Development under the Grassland Ecological Conservation Subsidy and Reward Policy

Yiran Zhang, Wuriliga, Yong Ding, Fang Li, Yujuan Zhang, Min Su, Shuhui Li and Li Liu ()
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Yiran Zhang: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Wuriliga: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Yong Ding: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Fang Li: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Yujuan Zhang: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Min Su: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Shuhui Li: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China
Li Liu: Grassland Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot 010010, China

Agriculture, 2022, vol. 12, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: In 2011, the Grassland Ecological Conservation Subsidy and Reward Policy (GECSRP) was implemented in China. The purpose of implementing the policy was to protect grassland ecosystems, secure the supply of livestock products, and increase the income of herders. Through quantitative research data collection methods, based on analysis and comparison of the effects of the GECSRP before and after its implementation in 2011 on grassland ecology, livestock production, and herder incomes on a national scale, this study summarized the effectiveness of the policy and main problems encountered during the policy implementation period and offered suggestions for optimizing the GECSRP. The results show that the GECSRP has been significantly effective in protecting grassland ecology, regulating livestock production, and safeguarding the livelihoods of pastoralists. Under the existing policies, low subsidy and reward standards caused an increase in the overgrazing rate, livestock production remained the main income source for herders, and a lack of technical support reduced forage and livestock quality, which subsequently reduced the income of herders. In conclusion, the existing policies can be improved by gradually enhancing evaluation standards, considering the balance between livestock grazing and grassland ecology, promoting industrialization of livestock products, and valuing the production skills of herders.

Keywords: grassland policy evaluation and optimization; conservation subsidy and reward policy; grassland ecology; livestock production; life of farmers and herders (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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