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Rural livelihoods and climate variability in Ningxia, Northwest China

Author

Listed:
  • Yue Li
  • D. Conway
  • Yanjuan Wu
  • Qingzhu Gao
  • S. Rothausen
  • Wei Xiong
  • Hui Ju
  • Erda Lin

Abstract

This study addresses the role of climate variability in the livelihoods of agricultural communities in Ningxia, Northwest China. Data sources comprise meteorological observations and official reports, complemented by questionnaires and focus group discussions designed around a livelihoods framework. Sample villages were located in three different agricultural systems: irrigated, mixed irrigated/grazing, and rainfed. Much of Ningxia is perennially dry and this is a significant limiting factor to agricultural production in the region, exacerbated by drought and buffered by irrigation mainly supplied from the Yellow River. Climate observations show stable temperatures from the 1950s to the 1980s followed by a positive trend (0.38°C/decade 1961–2010). Precipitation shows very modest trends and low decadal variability. Recent climate variability, particularly a drought from 2004–2006, was perceived to have had a significant effect on agricultural production and access to water, but it was not the only challenge respondents had faced. Susceptibility to drought was higher in the mixed irrigated and grazing and rainfed areas, due to farmers’ greater exposure to climatic hazards and because a higher proportion of their income originated from farming activities. Respondents were using a wide range of measures to retain and enhance soil moisture and maintain agricultural production. The discussion examines challenges in disentangling the role of climate within rapidly changing livelihood systems. Copyright The Author(s) 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Yue Li & D. Conway & Yanjuan Wu & Qingzhu Gao & S. Rothausen & Wei Xiong & Hui Ju & Erda Lin, 2013. "Rural livelihoods and climate variability in Ningxia, Northwest China," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 119(3), pages 891-904, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:119:y:2013:i:3:p:891-904
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-013-0765-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ellis, Frank, 2000. "Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296966.
    2. Sunderlin, William D. & Angelsen, Arild & Belcher, Brian & Burgers, Paul & Nasi, Robert & Santoso, Levania & Wunder, Sven, 2005. "Livelihoods, forests, and conservation in developing countries: An Overview," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(9), pages 1383-1402, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pramod Singh & Abhishek Nair, 2014. "Livelihood vulnerability assessment to climate variability and change using fuzzy cognitive mapping approach," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 127(3), pages 475-491, December.
    2. Narloch, Ulf & Bangalore, Mook, 2018. "The multifaceted relationship between environmental risks and poverty: new insights from Vietnam," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 87553, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Hui Ju & Qin Liu & Yingchun Li & Xiaoxu Long & Zhongwei Liu & Erda Lin, 2020. "Multi-Stakeholder Efforts to Adapt to Climate Change in China’s Agricultural Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-16, September.
    4. Chen, Baili & Duan, Quntao & Zhao, Wenzhi & Wang, Lixin & Zhong, Yanxia & Zhuang, Yanli & Chang, Xueli & Dong, Chunyuan & Du, Wentao & Luo, Lihui, 2023. "Oasis sustainability is related to water supply mode," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 290(C).

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