Household perceptions of factors that affect food consumption in grassland areas: A case study in the Xilin Gol Grassland, China

Abstract

Food consumption acts as an intermediary that connects ecosystems with human systems in grassland areas. In this study, we used fuzzy cognitive mapping to quantitatively assess the factors that affect food consumption in the Xilin Gol Grassland, China, from the perspective of local rural households. We found that household perceptions of the factors that affect food consumption differed among parts of the grassland transects in both the number and the strength of these factors. Livestock numbers, household income, regional economic development, consumption habits, age, and infrastructure were the most important factors mentioned by the farmers and herders, but herders were more sensitive to ecological and economic factors, whereas farmers focused more on personal and social factors. The differences in the main factors between study areas revealed the key economic, social, and ecological dimensions. Our results provide a reference for policymakers to develop improved policies to encourage regional sustainable development.