Management of agricultural nonpoint source pollution in China: current status and challenges

2006 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Nonpoint Source Pollution ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Nonpoint Source ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution ◽  
Agricultural Nonpoint Source

Water quality in China shows an overall trend of deterioration in recent years. Nonpoint source pollution from agricultural and rural regions is the leading source of water pollution. The agricultural nonpoint source pollutants are mainly from fertilization of cropland, excessive livestock and poultry breeding and undefined disposal of daily living wastes in rural areas. Agricultural nonpoint sources contribute the main source of pollution to most watersheds in China, but they are ignored in management strategy and policy. Due to the lack of full understanding of water pollution control and management and the lack of perfect water quality standard systems and practical legislative regulations, agricultural nonpoint source pollution will become one of the biggest challenges to the sustainable development of rural areas and to society as a whole. The system for agricultural nonpoint source pollution control in China should include an appropriate legislation and policy framework, financing mechanisms, monitoring system, and technical guidelines and standards. The management of agricultural nonpoint source pollution requires multidisciplinary approaches that will involve a range of government departments, institutions and the public.

Policy tools for agricultural nonpoint source water pollution control in the U.S. and E.U.

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Drevno
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Nonpoint Source ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Tool ◽  
Nps Pollution ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Agricultural Nonpoint Source

Purpose – In the USA and Europe, agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution continues to be among the chief impediments to achieving water quality standards. While the implementation of technology-based water pollution control tools has resulted in evident point source pollution abatement, NPSs continue to threaten surface water and groundwater. The purpose of this paper is to draw from environmental policy literature to identify regulatory tools and management approaches that specifically target agricultural NPS pollution and the factors that drive or impede their implementation and enforcement. This paper utilizes the policy tool framework to help characterize the widespread policy problem, distinguishing its unique set of hurdles from other environmental problems. Design/methodology/approach – Discussion of agricultural NPS pollution management approaches is based on a thorough review of relevant environmental policy and environmental economic literature as well as case studies from the USA and Europe. Analysis is based on the policy tool framework. Findings – This study finds that controlling numerous diffuse sources of agricultural pollution requires an integrated approach that utilizes river basin management and a mix of policy instruments. Additionally, findings suggest that transitioning from voluntary mechanisms to more effective instruments based on measurable water quality performance relies predominantly on three factors: first, more robust quality monitoring data and models; second, local participation; and third, political will. Originality/value – This research provides important information for regional and national policymakers in areas where there is increasing pollution and regulatory mandates. Identifying conditions of effective water quality policy is applicable and will be of direct use to agencies charged with pollution control.

scholarly journals ‘Get a Fish’ vs. ‘Get a Fishing Skill’: Farmers’ Preferred Compensation Methods to Control Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2484
Author(s):  
Xiaoping Li ◽  
Yan Yan ◽  
Liuyang Yao
Keyword(s):  
Nonpoint Source Pollution ◽  
Pollution Control ◽  
Substitution Effect ◽  
Nonpoint Source ◽  
Compensation Policy ◽  
Ecological Compensation ◽  
Compensation Methods ◽  
Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution ◽  
The Government ◽  
Agricultural Nonpoint Source

Ecological compensation is an important means for controlling agricultural nonpoint source pollution, and compensation methods comprise an essential part of the compensation policy for mitigating this form of pollution. Farmers’ choice of compensation methods affects their response to compensation policies as well as the effects of pollution control and ecological compensation efficiency. This study divides ecological compensation methods into two distinct philosophies—the “get a fish” method (GFM) and “get a fishing skill” method (GFSM)—based on policy objectives, to determine farmers’ choice between the two methods and the factors influencing this choice. Furthermore, by analyzing survey data of 632 farmers in the Ankang and Hanzhong cities in China and using the multivariate probit model, the study determines farmers’ preferred option among four specific compensation modes of GFM and GFSM. The three main results are as follows. (1) The probability of farmers choosing GFM is 82%, while that of choosing GFSM is 51%. Therefore, GFM should receive more attention in compensation policies relating to agricultural nonpoint source pollution control. (2) Of the four compensation modes, the study finds a substitution effect between farmers’ choice of capital and technology compensations, capital and project compensations, material and project compensations, while there is a complementary relationship between the choice of material and technology compensations. Therefore, when constructing the compensation policy basket, attention should be given to achieving an organic combination of different compensation methods. (3) Highly educated, young, and male farmers with lower part-time employment, large cultivated land, and a high level of eco-friendly technology adoption and policy understanding are more likely to choose GFSM. Hence, the government should prioritize promoting GFSM for farmers with these characteristics, thereby creating a demonstration effect to encourage transition from GFM to GFSM.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document