An Assessment of Poverty Alleviation Measures and Sustainable Livelihood Capability of Farm Households in Rural China: A Sustainable Livelihood Approach

Fang Su,Jing Ma,Nannan Ma,Bing Xue,Shah Fahad,Nini Song,Altynbek Sultanaliev

doi:10.3390/agriculture11121230

Abstract

This paper aims to identify effective mechanisms for government poverty alleviation measures based on the livelihood sustainability of farm households in Southern Shaanxi province, China. The paper utilizes data from 414 farm households, collected through field observations and in-depth interviews in 24 rural communes in Qinba Mountain Area of Shaanxi province, China. Using theoretical research methods and employing the sustainable livelihood approach (SLA) framework, this paper analyzes poverty alleviation measures as well as the impact of varied capital availability on sustainable livelihood. The study shows that developing local industries and governmental financial support improve the sustainable livelihood of farmers and eradicate absolute poverty. The findings of this study further indicate that there is a positive correlation between poverty alleviation measures and natural and social capital for sustainable livelihood. The paper provides empirical and quantitative evidence on alleviation of poverty, and the findings will help improve the sustainability of livelihood capability of farming households. This study suggests impactful approaches to stabilizing mechanisms for poverty alleviation in rural areas over the longer term.

Highlights

The proportion of people living in extreme poverty globally fell from 36% in 1990 to 8.4% in 2019 [1]
We found that financial capital has a significant impact on the livelihood capability of farmers with an effect coefficient of 0.042, and the influence relationship passes the significance test
Natural capital is a resource and an environmental factor that may be used in rural poverty alleviation, but it shows a negative impact on livelihood capability in underdeveloped rural areas

Summary

Introduction

The proportion of people living in extreme poverty globally fell from 36% in 1990 to 8.4% in 2019 [1]. Public crises, such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, threaten to undermine efforts to eradicate extreme poverty [2]. Poverty refers to both lack of income and lack of sustainable livelihood capability, resulting in a weakened quality of life.

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion