Abstract:

This paper uses the example of the Qianjiangyuan National Park pilot (QNPP) to construct an indicator system of farmer livelihood assets based on the sustainable livelihoods framework. The spatial distribution and agglomeration characteristics of farmer livelihood assets in QNPP were next analyzed, and the entropy method, cluster analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were performed. The results were as follows: first, the livelihood assets of different types of farmers followed a gradient of non-agricultural households > concurrent households > pure farmers. The human assets, social assets, and physical assets of non-agricultural households were more valuable than those of concurrent households and pure farmers. Second, asset classification differed significantly among the three types of farmer households. Pure farmers had a greater quantity of primarily medium and low assets, while non-agricultural households had a few higher assets. The levels of livelihood assets were closely related to livelihood activities. Third, the spatial distribution of household livelihood assets belonging to farmers highlighted an increase in asset concentration from southwest to northeast. The livelihood assets of the Hetian Township were relatively balanced among the three groups, whereas Qixi, Changhong and Suzhuang townships had imbalanced asset distributions. Fourth, the distribution of household livelihood assets was consistent with functional position and management intensity in different functional zones. In addition, natural assets were significantly spatially autocorrelated while all other assets had no significant spatial autocorrelation. Finally, based on these findings, suggestions were made to improve the livelihoods of the farmer households in the QNPP.

Key words: sustainable livelihoods, national parks, livelihood asset, spatial characteristics, Qianjiangyuan National Park pilot