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Thirsty fields, green cities: Decoding the water nexus between agriculture and urban ecology in the Yellow River Basin

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  • Xu, Zhongwen
  • Qian, Weijin

Abstract

Agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) and urban ecological environmental resilience (UEER) are critical for regional sustainability, yet their interplay remains underexplored. This study investigates the water-agriculture-urban nexus in the Yellow River Basin (2011–2020) by quantifying the coupling coordination degree (CCD) between UEER and an environmentally-adjusted AWUE that accounts for agricultural methane emissions. Using a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model, we uncover the spatio-temporal dynamics of their coordination. Results show a significant upward trend in CCD after 2015, yet spatial disparities persist, with downstream cities outperforming upstream regions. Our typology analysis identifies four city categories, providing a novel framework for targeted nexus-based governance. Economic development and fiscal expenditure consistently promote coordination, whereas population density exerts a negative influence. These findings offer empirically grounded guidance for developing integrated policies that simultaneously enhance water efficiency and urban resilience, advancing sustainable resource management.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu, Zhongwen & Qian, Weijin, 2026. "Thirsty fields, green cities: Decoding the water nexus between agriculture and urban ecology in the Yellow River Basin," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 332(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agiwat:v:332:y:2026:i:c:s0378377426003677
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2026.110486
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