Rural land consolidation as an instrument for decreasing farmers' dependence on ecosystem services: Heterogeneity analysis based on consolidation modes and topographic types

Abstract

Rural land consolidation (RLC) is one of the largest organized activities affecting land use and terrestrial ecosystems, and its effect on ecosystems' spatial patterns and service functions has been closely scrutinized. Previous studies have primarily focused on the response of ecosystem services (ES), but associated changes in farmers' dependence on ES have not yet been adequately explored or completely understood. This study employs a sustainable livelihood framework to identify the mechanism through which RLC affects farmers' dependence on ES, and constructs an index system of dependence on ES (IDES) to quantify farmers' dependence on ES using questionnaire surveys conducted on 949 rural households in Hubei Province, central China. A quasi-experimental difference-in-differences model is subsequently used to investigate the impact of government-dominant mode and new agricultural business entity (NABE)-dominant RLC modes on farmers' dependence on ES across plains and mountainous areas. Results indicated that both RLC modes could decrease farmers' dependence on ES. The reduction effect of the NABE-dominant mode was more significant than that of the government-dominant mode in plains areas. While no significant difference between the two modes is found in mountainous areas. This study broaden research perspectives on RLC effectiveness and aligns with worldwide concerns such as environmental protection and welfare improvement. In addition, the study examine China's experience to offer valuable insight for other developing countries when formulating differentiated RLC policies.