Socio-Ecological Factors and Risk Perception of Herders Impact Grassland Rent in Inner Mongolia, China

Abstract

The potential drivers of grassland rent-in across the ecosystem types in Inner Mongolia are poorly understood. This study employed a methodology that integrates socioeconomic characteristics, ecological factors, and risk perception of herders into a framework to assess the influencing factors of the area of grassland rent-in by households. Also, we examine how the size of rented grassland influences herders’ production and income characteristics and tested the relationship between households’ herd structure and livestock production. Results show that the less area of grassland owned, the lower the household head's age was, and a decline in the time invested in other nongrazing activities leads to the rent-in of higher grassland area. Additionally, higher living expenses, loan income, and the frequency of snow disaster compel herders to rent-in more grassland areas. Compared with the “low-land-rent” households, the “high-land-rent” and “medium-land-rent” households had a lower stocking rate and higher total livestock income. A higher ratio of the different types of livestock in households’ herds increases livestock production efficiency. This study highlights the need for policies that could help alleviate household living and production-related risks such as preventive and rapid snow disaster control and reduction of living expenses. Also, the provision of long-term loans free from the recurrent debt cycle and incentives to lessees for land improvement during the tenancy period are viable strategies needed to promote a well-functioning grassland rental market.