We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Can pro-environmental behavior increase farmers’ income?—Evidence from arable land quality protection practices in China
Summary
This study used survey data from 591 farmers in Xinjiang, China to assess whether pro-environmental farming behaviors increase income. Results showed that farmers adopting practices that reduced soil and water pollution generated higher yields and revenues over time. Pro-environmental agricultural practices that limit plastic mulch use and chemical inputs can improve both farm sustainability and farmer livelihoods.
In China, agricultural non-point source pollution is one of the key factors limiting farmers’ income growth, and pro-environmental behavior can address agricultural surface pollution. Based on field survey data from 591 farmers in Xinjiang, China, this study empirically estimates the impact of pro-environmental behavior on farmers’ income growth. The results show that pro-environmental behavior plays a significant positive role in increasing farmers’ income, and the positive effect continues in the long run. Specifically, pro-environmental behavior can optimize the allocation of agricultural production factors, thus resulting in farmers’ income growth. The mechanism analysis shows that pro-environmental behavior affects farmers’ income growth by promoting the increase in the size of arable land and farmers’ willingness to transfer their land in the future. These findings indicate that a sound reward–punishment system for pro-environmental behavior should be established; training on pro-environmental behavior should be strengthened, and a mechanism for linking the benefits of pro-environmental behavior among stakeholders should be constructed.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
How to incentivize farmers to adopt and recycle high-standard plastic mulch in China: economic subsidies, government regulations or social norms?
A survey of 635 farmers in Gansu Province, China assessed drivers of high-standard plastic mulch adoption and recycling, finding that economic subsidies were more effective than government mandates or social norms in encouraging environmentally responsible mulch management.
Land Tenure, Loans, and Farmers’ Cropland Conservation Behavior: Evidence from Rural Northwest China
This is not directly about microplastics — it is an agricultural economics study examining how land tenure security influences farmers' conservation behavior in rural China, using plastic mulch film recycling as one example of a conservation practice, but not studying microplastic pollution itself.
Does Construction of High-Standard Farmland Improve Recycle Behavior of Agricultural Film? Evidence from Sichuan, China
Researchers found that farmers participating in high-standard farmland construction programs in Sichuan, China were 16% more likely to recycle agricultural plastic film, suggesting that rural infrastructure investment can improve plastic waste management behaviors.
Straw Return with Biodegradable Film Mulch: A Synergistic Cultivation Measure with Environmental and Economic Benefits Based on Life Cycle Assessment
Researchers used life cycle assessment to evaluate straw return combined with biodegradable plastic film mulch as a cultivation strategy for Chinese farmland, comparing environmental and economic outcomes against conventional practices. The combination reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil health while remaining cost-competitive.
Individual and Village Level Factors Affect Farmers’ Satisfaction with Sustainable Rural Development Practices: Evidence from Guangdong Province in China
A survey of Chinese farmers examined how individual and village-level factors influence satisfaction with sustainable rural development programs. Factors such as income, community cohesion, and quality of local services significantly affected satisfaction levels. Understanding farmer perspectives is essential for designing rural policies that encourage sustainable land and waste management.