Vulnerability and Impact Mechanisms of Social-Ecological Systems in Karst Desertification Control: An Analysis Based on Farm Household Survey Data
Abstract
Vulnerability and its assessment framework provide a new perspective for the study of social-ecological systems in Karst regions. Drawing on theories related to social-ecological systems and vulnerability, this paper explores the measurement and interpretation of human-land relationships in Karst mountainous areas under the context of rocky desertification governance. From the perspective of sensitivity and adaptive capacity, an evaluation index system is constructed. Through participatory household surveys and field research, the vulnerability of local social-ecological systems based on households is measured, and the vulnerability of different types of households and regions is analyzed. Taking regional sensitivity and household adaptability as entry points, practical countermeasures and suggestions are proposed to provide a basis for decision-making by relevant departments. The study shows that: (1) There is a severe lack of natural capital, and the social and financial capital of pure agricultural and agriculture-dominant households urgently need improvement. (2) The lack of natural capital and the differentiation of adaptive capacity are key factors affecting vulnerability. The construction of cognitive and social capital can enhance system adaptability and reduce system vulnerability. (3) The lack of natural capital and the differentiation of adaptive capacity increase system vulnerability, while household cognition and social capital construction help improve the system's ability to cope with risks, mitigating or reducing system vulnerability.
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