How do climate change perception and value cognition affect farmers' sustainable livelihood capacity? An analysis based on an improved DFID sustainable livelihood framework

Abstract

Research on the influencing factors of sustainable livelihoods in the context of climate change tend to focus on macro-regional and objective factors. However, there is room to expand on studies concerning the micro perspective and cognitive differences between farmers. This paper uses a survey on farmers' climate change perception and cognitive value in arid areas of Northwest China. Based on an improved Department for International Development (DFID) sustainable livelihood analysis, the authors explore the impact of climate change perception and value cognition on farmers' sustainable livelihood capacity, and analyze the differences according to farmers' socio-demographic characteristics. The results show that climate change perception can not only directly affect farmers' livelihoods, but also indirectly affect their sustainable livelihood capacity through economic and ecological value cognition. In the role of climate change perception and value cognition on sustainable livelihood capability, the farmers' socio-demographic characteristics have different effects on their action paths. Policymakers should focus on improving human capital in agricultural sector, especially for young and female laborers. Diversification of livelihoods should be encouraged to increase farmers' livelihood capital accumulation, especially for low- and middle-income earners. Popular science might also be actively marketed to enhance the awareness of livelihood value and climate change.