Optimizing developed cultivated pastures for sustainable rangeland management: Evidence of ecological efficiency from China’s agro-pastoral ecotone

• Zhang, Yaya ^[1] ; Ye, Zhuohui ^[1] ; Tan, Shuhao ^[1]
  1. [1] Renmin University of China

     Renmin University of China

     China

     
• Localización: Land use policy: The International Journal Covering All Aspects of Land Use, ISSN 0264-8377, ISSN-e 1873-5754, Nº. 160, 2026
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The 'small versus large area principle' posits that establishing small-scale cultivated pastures can effectively help conserve large rangeland areas from degradation. This theory underpins the global promotion of developed cultivated pastures (DCP). However, its effectiveness in simultaneously supporting rangeland restoration and herder livelihoods remains uncertain, with studies reporting conflicting outcomes. Understanding the performance of cultivated pastures is crucial for promoting sustainable livestock systems in fragile areas. Based on 252 household surveys conducted in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China (APENC), this study investigates the impact of DCP on ecological efficiency (EE), an indicator reflecting the ability of households to achieve economic output with minimal inputs and environmental costs. EE is calculated using the slack-based measure (SBM) model, and the impact of DCP on EE is analyzed using the Tobit model. Major findings indicate a concave relationship between DCP and EE, with optimal balance at 3.29 ha. Beyond this threshold, further expansion of DCP may reduce EE by incentivizing herders to enlarge flock sizes. Particularly, these effects are pronounced among small households compared to large ones. The study provides household-level evidence on the eco-economic trade-offs of cultivated pastures, offering insights for rangeland management in ecologically fragile pastoral regions worldwide.