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Livelihood Strategies in Shaxi, Southwest China: Conceptualizing Mountain–Valley Interactions as a Human–Environment System

Author

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  • Franz K. Huber

    (ETH Zürich, Institute for Environmental Decisions—Group Society, Environment and Culture, Sonneggstrasse 33, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland)

  • Michael Morlok

    (Volkswirtschaftliche Beratung, Steinenberg 5, 4051 Basel, Switzerland)

  • Caroline S. Weckerle

    (Institute of Systematic Botany, University of Zürich, Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland)

  • Klaus Seeland

    (ETH Zürich, Institute for Environmental Decisions—Group Society, Environment and Culture, Sonneggstrasse 33, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland)

Abstract

This paper investigates the socio-ecological differences and interactions between upland and lowland areas in Shaxi Valley, Yunnan Province, Southwest China. As an analytical tool we used an extended Human–Environment System Framework by focusing particularly on the dynamics and sustainability of livelihood strategies and mountain–valley interactions. Drawing from household surveys conducted in two mountain and two valley communities in 2005 and 2009, we show that the distinct income gap between mountain and valley households in 2005 ceased to exist in 2009. The main drivers for this development are the local tourist industry, persistent demand for forest resources, as well as local off-farm and seasonal migrant employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Franz K. Huber & Michael Morlok & Caroline S. Weckerle & Klaus Seeland, 2015. "Livelihood Strategies in Shaxi, Southwest China: Conceptualizing Mountain–Valley Interactions as a Human–Environment System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:3:p:3204-3229:d:46908
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fengchun Wang & Hua Zheng & Xiaoke Wang & Wenjia Peng & Dongchun Ma & Cong Li, 2017. "Classification of the Relationship between Household Welfare and Ecosystem Reliance in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Shangyi Zhou & Weilin Xu, 2018. "Interpreting the Inheritance Mechanism of the Wu Yue Sacred Mountains in China Using Structuralist and Semiotic Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-16, June.
    3. Wenjia Peng & Hua Zheng & Brian E. Robinson & Cong Li & Fengchun Wang, 2017. "Household Livelihood Strategy Choices, Impact Factors, and Environmental Consequences in Miyun Reservoir Watershed, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(2), pages 1-12, January.

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