The Impact of Community Communication on Farmers’ Forestland Use Decision-making in China’s Carbon Trading Context

In the context of carbon trading, forest carbon sequestration has emerged as a strategic pathway for China to achieve its “dual carbon” goals – carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060 – through carbon cycle regulation and climate change mitigation. Using survey questionnaires and structured interviews, this study examines the drivers and barriers influencing forest farmers’ land use decisions, with particular attention to the role of rural community communication. The findings reveal that rural cultural norms enhance collective action and shape farmers’ perceptions of benefits, risks, and social norms, mediated through village-based media and interpersonal networks. Specifically, bidirectional interactions between rural information officers and farmers activate communication networks, while goal-oriented storytelling – framing carbon sequestration as aligned with community prosperity – expands information channels and bolsters farmers’ confidence in adjusting their forestland use practices. Grounded in communication infrastructure theory, this study elucidates how rural communication mechanisms shape forestland use decisions and offers actionable insights for advancing forest carbon sequestration initiatives.