The impact of farmers' participation in national park construction on household income in China: Evidence from the Qinling Area of the Giant Panda National Park

Abstract

Although extensive research has emphasized the significance of societal participation in national park construction, understanding how farmers' participation affects household income remains an under-explored area, despite its critical role in advancing the sustainable development of national parks. This study aims to fill this void by investigating the relationship between farmers' participation in national park construction and their total household income. Based on the policies of the Giant Panda National Park and the actual participation patterns of farmers, we categorize farmers' participation into three distinct forms: ecological protection participation, development planning participation, and business employment participation. Using a comprehensive dataset of 804 farm households from the Qinling Area of the Giant Panda National Park, we conduct an in-depth analysis. Our findings reveal that farmers' participation in national park construction significantly bolsters total household income. From the perspective of participation forms, each category—ecological protection, development planning, and business employment—serves as a crucial pathway for farmers to increase their earnings. When considering income levels, we observe a pattern characterized as "benefiting the poor but not the rich". Specifically, the participation of low-income farmers has a more substantial impact on total household income compared to that of higher-income farmers. Moreover, we find that while total household income exhibits a positive correlation with the degree of farmers' participation in national park construction, this relationship is governed by the law of diminishing marginal returns. These findings contribute to the existing literature on national park development and rural economic growth, and they highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of farmers' roles in national park construction. Additionally, our research has practical implications, offering valuable insights for improving national park construction strategies and providing Chinese-based experiences that can inform targeted national park policies in other developing countries.