[Objective] To analyze the potential factors affecting sustainable development of the ecological water transfer and rehabilitation project(EWTRP) in Heihe river basin, so as to provide scientific basis for the regional ecological environment restoration.[Methods] 550 farmers were interviewed by filling out the questionnaires on their participation in the EWTRP, and then the questionnaire data was analyzed through logistic regression modeling method.[Results] Farmers in the middle reaches had accepted the EWTRP, but most farmers were reluctant to participate in the water-saving agriculture due to cost efficiency and land scale and irrigation technologic limitations. In addition, the EWTRP had also affected the farmers' livelihood.[Conclusion] Water resources shortage is still severe because of inadequate investment in water-saving agriculture. The project affects farmers' livelihoods which is increasing the riskes in maintaining ecological management achievements. Thus, for the success of the programs about environmental restoration, besides the ongoing ecological water transfer project, the eco-compensation mechanism of water resource needs to be established to support the development of water-saving agriculture. We must improve the farmers' livelihood diversification, and realize harmonious development of farmers' livelihood security and environmental protection.