Conflicts between ecological and agricultural production functions: The impact of the Grain for Green Program and wildlife damage on cropland abandonment in China’s mountainous areas

Cropland abandonment is the process by which farmers cease agricultural production, allowing land to revert to its ecological function. China’s Grain for Green Program (GGP), which aims to improve the ecological environment, and wildlife damage arising from competition for natural habitats influence farmers’ decisions to abandon croplands. However, the research findings on this topic remains both mixed and insufficient. This study develops a theoretical framework from the perspective of the conflict between ecological and agricultural production functions to explain the relationships among the GGP, wildlife damage, and cropland abandonment. Using survey data from 2397 farmers in mountainous areas of China, this study employs multiple models and heterogeneity analysis to estimate the impact of the GGP and wildlife damage on cropland abandonment. The findings reveal that the implementation of the GGP reduces cropland abandonment, whereas wildlife damage has a significant positive effect. This indicates that the financial compensation of the GGP encourages farmers to cease agricultural production, substituting for the voluntary abandonment of cropland. Furthermore, wildlife’s pursuit of habitats results in the seizure of agricultural spaces, leading to reduced agricultural production. Additionally, the GGP can amplify the impact of wildlife damage on cropland abandonment and mitigate the impact of labor migration. Wildlife damage can also influence cropland abandonment by promoting the exit of laborers from agriculture. The GGP more effectively reduces cropland abandonment among farmers with less cropland and higher income. Farmers with less cropland and lower income are more likely to abandon their cropland because of wildlife damage. Thus, to coordinate the development of multiple goals, appropriately planning the GGP, adjusting compensation strategies, and protecting farmers’ agricultural production from wildlife damage are necessary strategies.