Local perceptions of rangeland degradation and climate change in the pastoral society of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Xiaoyu Wu A , Xiangfeng Zhang A D , Shikui Dong A D , Hong Cai A , Tianren Zhao A , Wenjun Yang B , Rong Jiang A , Yandan Shi A and Junlin Shao C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
B College of History, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
C School of Management, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
D Corresponding authors. Email: dongshikui@sina.com; zhangxf@bnu.edu.cn
The Rangeland Journal 37(1) 11-19 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ14082
Submitted: 10 June 2014 Accepted: 23 September 2014 Published: 10 February 2015
Abstract
Rangelands provide several valuable ecological services and provide for the livelihoods of local herders on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). However, rangelands are being degraded due to overgrazing, policy changes and climate change. In this context, a survey was conducted in Zhuaxixiulong township of Gansu Province, China to examine the rangeland management systems and identify problems herders are facing in terms of livestock production and livelihoods using a Participatory Rural Appraisal approach. The results indicated that local herders perceived recent trends in rangeland degradation, climatic change, and political changes, and had developed management practices to adapt to these changes, such as adjusting transhumance patterns, cooperating with local institutions and adopting more collective actions in production practices. This study suggests that, to promote a sustainable rangeland management system in the QTP, policy-makers should recognise indigenous knowledge systems of grazing practices and rangeland management, as well as the need for more advanced technical methods. More attention should be paid to recent changes in climate, social transformations and economic changes to enhance the viability of such a pastoral society. To ensure the sustainability of the social–ecological system, there is a need to strengthen public participation and cooperation with all types of institutions to formulate appropriate policies and improve public services.
Additional keywords: climate change, Indigenous knowledge, Participatory Rural Appraisal, rangeland management, socioeconomic transformation.
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