How effective is poverty alleviation relocation in enhancing farmers’ livelihoods? Insights from a livelihood system perspective

Abstract

Identifying the evolutionary patterns of relocated households’ livelihood systems is essential for promoting their sustainable development. This study adopts a livelihood systems perspective and draws on primary data collected through household surveys, participant observation, and in-depth interviews to systematically analyze the impacts and mechanisms of the Poverty Alleviation Resettlement (PAR) program on rural households. Results show that PAR generally improves livelihood capital, with notable gains in human and social capital. However, it has also intensified capital differentiation, particularly in natural and financial capital, which show significant heterogeneity. About 70 % of households retained their original livelihood strategies, highlighting the complexity and path dependence of livelihood transformation. Although relocation reshaped the spatial foundation of livelihoods, spatial mismatches and weak institutional support created adaptation challenges for some households. Most households saw income growth, though some did not meet expectations. Household satisfaction has become increasingly polarized, with inadequate public services emerging as a major constraint. Mechanism analysis reveals that PAR has partially disrupted entrenched poverty trajectories via spatial restructuring and resource reallocation. However, it also reveals structural challenges, including unequal capital accumulation, spatial adaptation gaps, and delayed institutional transformation. These findings offer theoretical insights for refining resettlement policy design and serve as a reference for enhancing similar poverty alleviation programs globally.