Positivist analysis on the effects of ecological projects in the farming-pastoral transition belt of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
内蒙古农牧交错带生态工程成效实证调查和分析

As the participants and affected persons of ecological projects in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region during the past decade, local farmers should be involved when we assess the effects and efficiency of those ecological projects, and their comments and favorites should also be paid more attention when the government makes decisions on the future ecological project planning. Using questionnaire-based investigation and positivist analysis methods, this paper aimed to explore the ecological project effects in the typical farming-pastoral transitional zone of northern China. The survey covered 144 families in 3 counties of Inner Mongolia (Taipusi Qi, Wuchuan County, and Siziwang Qi). Results showed: (1) Returning cropland to forest/grassland, enclosing grassland to prevent grazing, and seasonal delaying grazing were the 3 main types of ecological project. A high participation rate was closely related to the family's core business. (2) Based on an integrated assessment taking into account water, soil, atmospheric and biological factors, local farmers' responses referred that they did not think the past ecological projects brought obvious and favorable post-effects for the local environments, although our detailed study indicated that ecological projects had prevented local environmental degradation, reduced sandstorm frequency, and increased the number of wild animal species. (3) Family income and the productivities of tillage and husbandry were promoted after the implementation of ecological projects, though the gross yields of grain and livestock were decreased. The critical factors affecting family income included farming/herding production technology and geographical location. (4) Limiting livestock's amounts, returning farmland, and protecting degraded grassland were the 3 most favorite measures to protect/restore local ecosystems for local framers. Further measures for returning farmland and eco-migration would be supported if compensation was enough. The rate of support was related to family income, available labor transfer approaches, and subsequent guarantees.