Confrontations Over Livelihood Approaches and Impacts on the Sustainability of Rice-duck-fish Ecosystem in the Southeast Asian Massif

The rice-duck-fish ecosystem created by upland minorities in southwest China has been selected as the global agricultural heritage, which is a representative coexistence of human and nature (Sun 2013). However, since the late... [ view full abstract ]

The rice-duck-fish ecosystem created by upland minorities in southwest China has been selected as the global agricultural heritage, which is a representative coexistence of human and nature (Sun 2013). However, since the late 1970s, this traditional agricultural ecosystem has faced the threat of vanishing ensued with the productivity decreasing of fish and duck (Cui 2009). Focusing on three case-study villages in Qiandongnan Hmong and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. We explore the selection of livelihood approaches under the background of urbanization and the impact of tourism development and population mobility on traditional livelihoods. Specifically, we compare the livelihoods of villagers from one village without tourism to date (but slated for tourism development in the near future); one with a 'medium' level of tourism; and one where tourism is in full force. Our analysis of the transitional characteristics of these communities with different level of non-agricultural activities focuses on selection of rice, usage of agricultural tools and facilities as well as raising process of duck and fish to shed light on the conflicts and coexistence of livelihood approaches under different stresses and demands from the socio-economic context. We hope that our findings may provide support for sustainable livelihoods and the agricultural heritage in upland minority region in the future.