The Comparative Study on Peasant Sustainable Livelihood Models in Rural Tourism Areas — A Case from Jixian, Tianjin

Abstract

The differences exist among rural areas of different tourism types in the aspects of peasant livelihood capital, livelihood strategy, and livelihood outcome. This paper conducts the comparative studies on peasant sustainable livelihood on two representatives, Maojiayu village and Changzhou village in Jixian (a county in Tianjin), based on the fieldwork and participatory country evaluating methods. The study finds that: (1) in rural areas of different tourism types, where their natural background, history of development, resources endowment, and regional policy are different, their tourism livelihood capital is various. The comparison finds huge differences in natural capital, material capital, and financial capital, but tiny difference in human resources capital and social capital for Maojiayu village and Changzhou village. (2) For the comparison of livelihood strategy and livelihood outcome, Maojiayu village mainly focus on the tourism-program-driven livelihood, while Changzhou village's livelihood is driven by tourism facilities and natural environment. The transformation and upgrading of tourism accommodation can significantly promote the tourism livelihood outcome; meanwhile, the introducing of new tourism programs can also bring the same effect. (3) The peasants in Maojiayu village and Changzhou village feel more comfortable, confident, and healthier by realizing the integration and localization of living and employment, as well as solving the issues of Three Rural Issues, for example left-behind children and empty-nest elderly in rural areas. If the local government can help to further improve the livelihood capital and extent tourism industry chain in the rural tourism areas, the peasants will have more livelihood strategy choices to promote the rural tourism industry.