Hierarchical DEMATEL-DTP Method for Identifying Key Factors Affecting Plateau-Characteristic Agroecological Security

The development of agriculture with special characteristics has become a global trend, especially in highland areas with unique local advantages. Plateau-characteristic agriculture plays an important role in ensuring food security, maintaining ecological balance, and promoting sustainable development in plateau areas. However, because many plateau areas are ecologically fragile and have limited environmental recovery capacity, failure to manage them properly can lead to irreversible environmental degradation and affect socioeconomic stability. Therefore, ensuring plateau-characteristic agroecological security (PCAES) is particularly important and warrants in-depth investigation. However, existing research has yet to systematically identify the key factors affecting PCAES. To fill this gap, this study analyzes 41 factors affecting PCAES at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Then, a DTP (driver–pressure–state–impact–response–management (DPSIRM), technology–environment–resources–economy (TERE), and production–operation–service (POS), collectively referred to as DTP) hierarchy is established to analyze the factors from different perspectives. On this basis, we use a hierarchical decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to identify nine key factors that influence PCAES, including biodiversity indices, intensity of investment in pollution control, a comprehensive mechanization rate of major crops, and intensity of agricultural R&D investment, among others. Finally, based on the interrelationships among these key factors, we put forward recommendations for PCAES management, taking into account domestic and international experience and the actual situation of the plateau region. Clarifying the factors affecting PCAES will help local governments undertake targeted risk management and scientific decision-making and promote the sustainable development of local economies.