Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of "ecological and environmental migration policy" on pastoralists' household economies in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Interviews and related surveys were conducted with families living in the grasslands of the Xilinguole League. Under the ecology policies in China, pastoralists migrated to urban areas with a low level of education and with no vocational training to compete with city inhabitants as general workers. In this study, the conditions of pastoralists' household economies under the "ecological and environmental migration policy" was reflected by the simulation and the analysis so the structure of income and the expenditures of pastoralists after migration were clarified, and a case study simulation of "not emigrating" was carried out. About 50-60% of 37 households succeeded in changing the mode of production and improving their living conditions. On the other hand, about 40-50% of the households could not smoothly change the mode of production. Actually, most of them did not receive sufficient subsidies, so their living conditions worsened, especially for households with sick or elderly people.
Supporting the lives of pastoralists is necessary for the success of the "ecological and environmental migration policy", and it is also the first step for the success of environmental policies. Therefore, the local government accepts the environmental measures as an important "duty" of the central government that it must consider as a top priority. Not only governments but also private corporations and local communities need to enhance their concerns for the environment, and support "ecological and environmental emigrants", while realizing their contributions to the environment.
JEL classification: Q56, Q57, R23
