Abstract: To explore the preferences and influencing factors of pension mode for small farmers in the Erhai Lake Basin, Using multi-stage random sampling method, 290 individuals aged 40 and above from 290 households in the Erhai Lake Basin were selected for questionnaire survey to obtain data; Based on 286 valid questionnaires, chi square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the differences in preferences of small farmers in choosing pension mode from the perspectives of in dividual over 40 years old on pension mode related issues; Using the Anderson behavior model as a theoretical framework, this study explored the effects of propensity factors, enabling factors, and demand factors on the preferences of small farmers in the Erhai Lake Basin for pension mode. The results showed that, small farmers in the Erhai Lake Basin currently relied on family pension mode as their main way of providing for the elderly, with propensity being the main influencing factor in their preference for pension mode, followed by demand factors. It was recommended that relevant departments actively guide local farmers to change their traditional elderly care concepts, increase investment in elderly care work and actively explore diversified elderly care methods suitable for local small farmers.