Response of Pastoral Mobility to Grassland Degradation and Farmland Development in Arid Regions of Northern Xinjiang, China

ABSTRACT In the last half‐century, there has been a shift in nomadism in North Xinjiang from true nomads to transhumant nomads who engage in agricultural pursuits. This change in pastoral mobility has been the result of grassland degradation and the development of agriculture and industry. This study conducts a statistical analysis and field research on pastoral mobility and the development of pastoral areas. The statistical analysis compared the impacts of agricultural, industrial, service‐industrial, and livestock development on human‐induced net primary productivity (NPP H ). The field research examined changes in pastoral mobility. The findings indicate that the degradation caused by overgrazing has not yet been proven. The increase in livestock numbers is hindered by the expansion of farmland development, whereas the yield of alfalfa only contributes little. In addition, the results clarify that the decline in pastoral mobility is closely related to livelihood diversity caused by the development of farmland and industry. It suggests that the relationship between farmers and nomads is a crucial element influencing pastoral mobility in the future.