Understanding Sustainable Livelihoods with a Framework Linking Livelihood Vulnerability and Resilience in the Semiarid Loess Plateau of China

Regional climate is complicated and unpredictable in the context of global change. Farmers on Loess Plateau, who rely agriculture natural resources for subsistence, are one groups feeling early effects Their vulnerability determined by their degree connection with environment. Frequent droughts Plateau have severely challenged farmers’ livelihoods, although some actions been taken to adapt these changes. To enable farmers find sustainable livelihood strategies challenging conditions, we established a research framework link resilience applied it Jiaxian County, specific area China. validate previous research, studied fluctuation trends past 30 years interrelationships between two influencing factors. The results as follows: since 1990, has polarized; however, moderate always dominant. Livelihood shows trend continuous enhancement. relationship complex, direction change can be both similar different. topography, arable land soil quality, irrigation conditions different areas impact resilience, periods. Farmers’ depend cognitive decision making assets, which critical Most study undergone significant strategy changes, while maintain original strategies. These findings provide policy implications reducing vulnerability, enhancing helping smallholder avoid poverty traps.