Livelihood value and proper utilization of farmer-household biodiversity —Preliminary analysis with an eco-economic perspective

Through trans-disciplinary analysis with the theories and principles of ecology and economics, the relationship between multi-enterprising and biodiversity, and functions of biodiversity in the livelihood of farming households were analyzed. Preliminary conclusions of the analysis include: ecologically multi-enterprising organisms are an important means of utilizing biodiversity which plays an important role in enhancing system stability; since economic output of agriculture relies on ecological processes, economic diversity can be said to be the product of biodiversity. In other words, economic diversity of agricultural systems depends on biodiversity. Hence biodiversity reduces economic risk and builds up economic stability, a very important factor for the livelihood of small farmer households who have week coping ability with risks. Biodiversity also expands food chain – industrial chain in economic terms, increases added value and satisfies various consumption and production needs of rural family members. Therefore with the current small farming scale, unstable market of farm products and relatively surplus rural labor, farmers are encouraged to develop multi-enterprising strategies to fully utilize the social, ecological and economic advantages of biodiversity. In doing so, it is necessary to offer scientific and technical support to farmers to ensure efficiency, profitability and safety of both the system and products.