Research on Spatial–Temporal Differences and Convergence Characteristics of Ecological Total Factor Productivity of Cultivated Land Use in China

The scientific evaluation of ecological total factor productivity of cultivated land use (ETFPCLU) is fundamental for advancing sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources and safeguarding national food security and ecological stability. Using the epsilon-based measure and the global Malmquist–Luenberger (EBM–GML) index, this study quantifies and decomposes ETFPCLU across China. Spatial–temporal variations and convergence patterns are systematically investigated via an analytical toolkit comprising the spatial mismatch index, Dagum’s Gini coefficient decomposition, and convergence models. The results indicate that Chinese ETFPCLU increased by an average of 2.1% per year from 2001 to 2022, primarily attributed to technical change (TC), with limited contributions from efficiency change (EC). The spatial mismatch between ETFPCLU and TC, as well as EC, is predominantly characterized by low to medium mismatch types, exhibiting a high degree of spatial distribution similarity; inter-regional differences are the main contributors to regional disparities. Furthermore, except for the central region, significant σ -convergence exists in ETFPCLU across the country and in other regions, alongside absolute β -convergence and conditional β -convergence in the four major regions. The analysis concludes that to enhance ETFPCLU, it is essential to strengthen technological innovation, synergistically improve technological efficiency, formulate ecological protection policies tailored to local conditions, and foster collaboration among regions for cultivated land protection.