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Spatial Patterns and Drivers of China’s Agricultural Ecological Efficiency: A Super-Efficiency EBM–GeoDetector Approach

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  • Minghong Peng

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Xiaolong Zhang

    (Institute of Western China Economic Research, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Ji Luo

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    Research Center of Agricultural Economy, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China)

  • Dingdi Jize

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    Research Center of Agricultural Economy, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China)

  • Pengju Li

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    Research Center of Agricultural Economy, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China)

  • Haijun Wang

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    Research Center of Agricultural Economy, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China)

  • Tianhui Xie

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China)

  • Hu Li

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China)

  • Yuanjie Deng

    (School of Economics, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    Research Center of Agricultural Economy, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, Zigong 643000, China
    Key Laboratory for Intelligent Management and Ecological Decision Optimization of Baijiu in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Yibin 644000, China)

Abstract

Agricultural practices significantly impact environmental sustainability, making the enhancement of Agricultural Ecological Efficiency (AEE) crucial for China’s sustainable agricultural development. However, the spatial-temporal evolution patterns and underlying driving forces of AEE remain insufficiently understood in the context of China’s rapid agricultural transformation. To address this research gap, we analyzed AEE across 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2021, identifying spatial patterns and key influencing factors. Employing a Super-Efficiency EBM model with undesirable outputs, we calculated provincial AEE scores. Spatial analysis tools, including Moran’s I, Dagum Gini decomposition, and kernel density estimation, were applied to explore regional differences. We also utilized Geo-detector to quantify driving factors and their interactions. The results demonstrated a clear west-to-east and south-to-north gradient of declining AEE, with western provinces exhibiting higher efficiency levels. Despite narrowing disparities within the eastern and western regions, central regions displayed increasing intra-regional differences. Geo-detector analysis further highlighted significant interactive effects among factors such as urbanization, governmental agricultural support, education levels, and precipitation, enhancing the explanatory power of AEE spatial variations. These findings support region-specific policies for optimizing agricultural structures and resource efficiency, facilitating China’s ecological transition in agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Minghong Peng & Xiaolong Zhang & Ji Luo & Dingdi Jize & Pengju Li & Haijun Wang & Tianhui Xie & Hu Li & Yuanjie Deng, 2025. "Spatial Patterns and Drivers of China’s Agricultural Ecological Efficiency: A Super-Efficiency EBM–GeoDetector Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-29, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2739-:d:1615943
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mon‐Chi Lio & Jin‐Li Hu, 2009. "Governance and Agricultural Production Efficiency: A Cross‐Country Aggregate Frontier Analysis," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 60(1), pages 40-61, February.
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    3. Keke Zhang & Shaohua Wang & Chengcheng Song & Sinan Zhang & Xia Liu, 2024. "Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity Analysis of Provincial Road Traffic Accidents and Its Influencing Factors in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, August.
    4. Timo Kuosmanen & Mika Kortelainen, 2005. "Measuring Eco‐efficiency of Production with Data Envelopment Analysis," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 9(4), pages 59-72, October.
    5. Tone, Kaoru, 2001. "A slacks-based measure of efficiency in data envelopment analysis," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 130(3), pages 498-509, May.
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