Solving one problem by creating a bigger one: The consequences of ecological resettlement for grassland restoration and poverty alleviation in Northwestern China

•Comparative analysis of resettlement and pre-resettlement sites in Alxa Left Banner of western Inner Mongolia.•Water use and income are the main indicators used to compare the impacts of livelihood change.•Water consumption increased and water use efficiency declined after resettlement.•Income increased but so did costs, and herder cultural traditions were weakened or lost.•Livelihood was not improved, and risks caused by water scarcity increased.