Socioenvironmental Threats to Pastoral Livelihoods: Risk Perceptions in the Altay and Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, China

A study of pastoral livelihoods in the Altay and Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang reveals that while fear of environmental crises is widespread, recently implemented conservation and development projects are ranked as greater concerns by local households. Using geostatistical and econometric methods, researchers analyzed data from 159 households to identify risk hot spots and prioritize policy interventions. The findings underscore the need for pastoral policies to support livestock economies and facilitate transitions to alternative livelihoods through skill training and new opportunities, particularly in high-risk areas.

Liao, C., Sullivan, P. J., Barrett, C. B., & Kassam, K.-A. S. (2013). Socioenvironmental Threats to Pastoral Livelihoods: Risk Perceptions in the Altay and Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, China. Risk Analysis, 34(4), 640–655. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/risa.12146