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Deciphering Land Use Transitions in Rural China: A Functional Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Yanfeng Jiang

    (School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

  • Tiantian Wang

    (School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

  • Yuli Xu

    (School of Public Administration, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China)

Abstract

Although research on land use transitions has gradually received widespread attention since its introduction to China at the beginning of the new millennium, the lack of a clear portrayal of the transitional characteristics and pathways of land use at the theoretical level has prevented this research from providing adequate support for the regulation and management of rural land use activities. This study aims to bridge this research gap from a functional perspective, since the transition of land system functions—also known as land use functions—heralds the completion of a regional land use transition. The methods employed included a literature review and theoretical analysis. The results show the following: (1) the relationships between land use morphology, land use multifunctionality, and land use functions transition (LUFT) were identified; (2) the connotation of the multifunctional agriculture transition theory was analyzed, and the applicability and limitations of drawing on the theory for researching the transition of land use functions in rural China elucidated; (3) a method for characterizing LUFT is proposed from the “state” and “quality”; (4) a theoretical framework for the LUFT was constructed and anchored in transition theory; and (5) it was summarized that there are three transitional pathways: weak-strong, strong-weak, and dynamic balance. In conclusion, while theories originating from the West can provide references for Chinese research, the significant difference between their socio-economic backgrounds necessitates reconstructing these theories in the light of the actual situation in rural China. The theoretical construction of land use transitions from a functional perspective can more clearly delineate the process, the trend, and the characteristics of the transitions of rural land use, thus offering valuable insights for the regulation and management of land use.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanfeng Jiang & Tiantian Wang & Yuli Xu, 2024. "Deciphering Land Use Transitions in Rural China: A Functional Perspective," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:6:p:809-:d:1409841
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hualou Long & Yingnan Zhang & Li Ma & Shuangshuang Tu, 2021. "Land Use Transitions: Progress, Challenges and Prospects," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-20, August.
    2. Geoff A. Wilson, 2014. "Community resilience: path dependency, lock-in effects and transitional ruptures," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(1), pages 1-26, January.
    3. Liao, Liuwen & Long, Hualou & Gao, Xiaolu & Ma, Enpu, 2019. "Effects of land use transitions and rural aging on agricultural production in China’s farming area: A perspective from changing labor employing quantity in the planting industry," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    4. Zhang, Qianxi & Li, Fei, 2022. "Correlation between land use spatial and functional transition: a case study of Shaanxi Province, China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    5. Djanibekov, Utkur & Finger, Robert, 2018. "Agricultural risks and farm land consolidation process in transition countries: The case of cotton production in Uzbekistan," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 223-235.
    6. Qu, Yanbo & Jiang, Guang-hui & Li, Zitong & Tian, Yaya & Wei, Shuwen, 2019. "Understanding rural land use transition and regional consolidation implications in China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 742-753.
    7. Xu, Feng & Wang, Zhanqi & Chi, Guangqing & Zhang, Zhexi, 2020. "The impacts of population and agglomeration development on land use intensity: New evidence behind urbanization in China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    8. Pingxing Li & Chonggang Liu & Hui Cao, 2022. "Quantitative Evaluation of Ecological Stress Caused by Land Use Transitions Considering the Location of Incremental Construction Lands: The Case of Southern Jiangsu in Yangtze River Delta Region," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lin Tan & Qinyu Cui & Lan Chen & Lan Wang, 2024. "An Exploratory Study on Spatial Governance Toward Urban–Rural Integration: Theoretical Analysis with Case Demonstration," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-23, November.
    2. Zhou, Guipeng & Long, Hualou, 2025. "Explanation of land-use system evolution: Modes, trends, and mechanisms," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).

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