Household perceptions of factors that affect food consumption in grassland areas: a case study in the Xilin Gol Grassland, China. (24th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Wanni; Zhen, Lin
• Is Part Of: Environmental research letters. Volume 15:Number 11(2020:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2020-11-24
• Subjects: stakeholder perceptions -- food consumption -- impact factors -- fuzzy cognitive mapping -- Xilin Gol Grassland; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Human ecology -- Research -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 333.7
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/abc0b9
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-9326

Abstract

Abstract: Food consumption acts as an intermediary that connects ecosystems with human systems in grassland areas. In this study, we used fuzzy cognitive mapping to quantitatively assess the factors that affect food consumption in the Xilin Gol Grassland, China, from the perspective of local rural households. We found that household perceptions of the factors that affect food consumption differed among parts of the grassland transects in both the number and the strength of these factors. Livestock numbers, household income, regional economic development, consumption habits, age, and infrastructure were the most important factors mentioned by the farmers and herders, but herders were more sensitive to ecological and economic factors, whereas farmers focused more on personal and social factors. The differences in the main factors between study areas revealed the key economic, social, and ecological dimensions. Our results provide a reference for policymakers to develop improved policies to encourage regional sustainable development.