Impact of the ecological resettlement program in southern Shaanxi Province, China on households' livelihood strategies

Abstract Although the social-ecological impacts of resettlement have been widely assessed, the concrete mechanisms by which ecological resettlement influences the livelihoods of resettled households have rarely been examined. Using data collected from a large household survey in southern Shaanxi, China and a propensity score matching method, this study explores the potential impact of resettlement on livelihood strategies. Our results indicate that participation has generally increased the income of relocated households through governmental subsidies and other income, reduced the poverty rate, and improved their living conditions and facilities. Nonetheless, a more nuanced analysis reveals that some of the direct vs. indirect, and short-term vs. long-term effects are not as positive or strong as what would have been hoped for. Multiple policy challenges must be addressed to make the program more effective and sustainable.