Mechanism analysis of resilience and adaptation of urban farmers to the impact of the epidemic

Agriculture is the foundation of human survival, and the cultivation of resilient farmer groups is a key aspect of sustainable agricultural development, which has received much research attention. Based on the survey data of farmers and experts, it mainly studies the resilience level of rural households in the core urban suburbs of the Yangtze River Delta under the impact of COVID-19, and explores the driving mechanism of farmers' adaptation by using the multiple attribute decision making and ordered logical regression model. The results indicate that despite the profound impact of the epidemic on agricultural production and circulation, most of the surveyed farmers have maintained stable production and operation, with an overall high level of resilience. There is a significant difference in the resilience of farmers in the subdivision of agricultural categories, with food farmers having the strongest resilience, followed by fruit farmers, and vegetable farmers having the lowest resilience level. Financial capital, innovative spirit, and market awareness are the main factors affecting resilience levels, but external support and risk perception capabilities are equally indispensable. Moreover, farmers who rely mainly on agricultural livelihoods have abundant labor force, sufficient funds, broad networks, and deep organizational participation. They have a strong ability to buffer and respond to the impact of the epidemic. Strengthening the ability of farmers to cope with unexpected events from multiple dimensions is an important way to promote the orderly and stable development of agriculture.