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Land
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Land Use and Rural Sustainability
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Land Use and Rural Sustainability

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land Systems and Global Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 January 2023) | Viewed by 45815

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fangzhou Xia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Land Management, School of Public Administration & Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
Interests: land use planning; land economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Rong Tan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
2. Land Academy for National Development, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Interests: institutional analysis of land and natural resources; sustainable development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Hualin Xie

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Ecological Civilization, Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanchang 330013, China
Interests: land use; ecological security; resource and environmental policy; cultivated land protection; geographic information system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Xiaoshun Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Policy & Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221000, China
Interests: resources; environment economy and public policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The land is the essential means of production for agricultural development, the foundation of farmers' survival, and the critical spatial support for rural construction. However, the long-term urban-oriented development strategy has led to severe rural land-use problems. The rapid urban expansion has caused a large-scale reduction of cultivated land resources, increasingly severe land pollution, and a continuous decline in cultivated land quality. Rural labor migration has also left many rural lands abandoned or idle, forming the dilemma of land scarcity and waste. The unbalanced development between urban and rural areas also makes it difficult to fully revitalize the asset value of rural land, which harms farmers' land property and sustainable rural development. Rural sustainability includes the sustainable development of the economy, ecology, and farmers' high-quality life and social harmony, all highly related to land. Therefore, the critical scientific solutions to existing problems include adopting more efficient and harmonious rural land use and promoting sustainable rural revitalization.

In rural land use, there is much research that mainly focuses on land-use change and its impact on rural development. However, there are few studies on solving current land-use problems, improving land-use efficiency, revitalizing land capital value, and ultimately promoting sustainable rural development. Therefore, this Special Issue aims to enrich the research of land system science and social-ecological system research by exploring new research in land use and sustainable rural development. Cutting-edge research that advances understanding and analysis of the following issues are welcome: multi-purpose cultivated land utilization, village spatial planning, rural land consolidation, rural land system reform, land and rural poverty, and other land use and rural sustainable development issues. We also welcome articles from interdisciplinary fields essential for land use and rural sustainability, such as how land use enhances carbon neutrality and integrates with environmental sustainability.

The manuscripts can be case studies, empirical studies, modeling, and review studies. The core arguments should focus on the following topics:

  • Land use sustainability;
  • Rural spatial planning and optimum land use;
  • Land use towards sustainable agriculture;
  • Rural land consolidation;
  • Rural land reform and rural sustainability;
  • Urban-rural integration development;
  • Rural living environment;
  • Rural land-use change towards carbon neutrality;
  • Rural landscape pattern and ecological system service;
  • Land use and rural poverty.

Dr. Fangzhou Xia
Prof. Dr. Rong Tan
Prof. Dr. Hualin Xie
Prof. Dr. Xiaoshun Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • land use
  • rural sustainability
  • rural land reform
  • rural spatial planning
  • rural poverty
  • rural living environment

Published Papers (22 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 2411 KiB  
Article
Spatial Morphology Optimization of Rural Planning Based on Space of Flow: An Empirical Study of Zepan Village in China
by Chunyang Zhang and Junjie Chen
Land 2023, 12(4), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040841 - 06 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1369
Abstract
The inadequate consideration of livable rural spatial morphology in rural planning has impeded the further advancement of the rural social system, resulting in a challenge for rural residents to establish an appealing living experience that distinguishes itself from urban areas. This situation calls [...] Read more.
The inadequate consideration of livable rural spatial morphology in rural planning has impeded the further advancement of the rural social system, resulting in a challenge for rural residents to establish an appealing living experience that distinguishes itself from urban areas. This situation calls for an urgent exploration of livable spatial morphology based on human-centered principles, as well as an investigation of planning spatial morphology optimization mechanisms that consider ecological backgrounds and human settlement needs. In response to this issue, this study employs the theory of flow space and constructs a framework for the optimization of rural spatial methodology. By integrating ecological and sociological analysis methods, the study identifies the “flow” structure of spatial association in rural ecosystems through ecological network analysis, and identifies the “flow” structure of behavioral association in rural human systems through social network analysis. Based on these findings, the complex network morphologies are evaluated and screened. To test the effectiveness of this framework, the study examines the spatial morphology of four planning options through case empirical analysis in Zepan Village, Hebei Province, China. The research results demonstrate that the framework can help achieve the goal of optimizing rural spatial morphology, improve existing planning practices that prioritize single plans and disregard the selection of multiple plans, and serve as an effective tool to aid planners in tackling complex planning problems by balancing scientific principles and empirical values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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16 pages, 816 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Rural Land on the Life Satisfaction of Farming Women: Evidence from China
by Philip Arestis, Mianshan Lai, Songpei Zhang and Yunxiang Liu
Land 2023, 12(3), 708; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030708 - 19 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1143
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of rural land on the life satisfaction of rural-farming women with a modified institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework as the theoretical framework. The research sample is composed of data acquired from surveys of thirty-six randomly selected villages [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of rural land on the life satisfaction of rural-farming women with a modified institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework as the theoretical framework. The research sample is composed of data acquired from surveys of thirty-six randomly selected villages in three provinces in China. The main findings include that the quality of the cultivated land, embodied in the cultivated land location and the land cultivation facilities, has an impact on the life satisfaction of rural-farming women; agreeable living conditions can improve the life satisfaction of rural-farming women; and the well-being status of rural-farming women also has an impact on their life satisfaction, but there are differences in this impact. The objective factors, such as household cash and savings, farming income, and farming time, also have inconsistent effects on the life satisfaction of rural-farming women. This study bridges the gap and explains the land-related factors, which have an impact on rural women farmers, and brings attention to this group of people who are easily overlooked. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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23 pages, 7912 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Land Transfers on the Adoption of New Varieties: Evidence from Micro-Survey Data in Shaanxi Province, China
by Yi Chen and Zhengbing Wang
Land 2023, 12(3), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030632 - 07 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1275
Abstract
Land transfers play a vital role in determining the level of farm machinery service and variety selection by scattered land reduction and contiguous land enhancement, which are also conducive to poverty alleviation and welfare utilization. Based on the micro-survey data of 898 kiwifruit [...] Read more.
Land transfers play a vital role in determining the level of farm machinery service and variety selection by scattered land reduction and contiguous land enhancement, which are also conducive to poverty alleviation and welfare utilization. Based on the micro-survey data of 898 kiwifruit growers in Shaanxi Province, this paper analyzed the effect of land transfers on the adoption of new varieties by propensity score matching (PSM) technology. A stepwise regression method was used to test the mediating role of land scale and the moderating role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The results suggest the following: (1) Farmers with land transfers had a significant positive effect on the adoption of new varieties, with a 12.5% increase in the likelihood of new variety adoption. (2) The impact of land transfers on the adoption of new varieties was partially mediated through land scale. (3) The positive moderating role of UAV services was empirically emphasized. With the goal of promoting the average income and boosting farmland productivity, the improvement of the land property rights trading market, joint efforts from government and rural cooperatives, and professional and regular training are proposed to optimize land-use structures and reduce machinery service costs, thereby encouraging farmers to adopt new, improved varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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16 pages, 2126 KiB  
Article
How Does Urban-Rural Capital Flow Affect Rural Reconstruction near Metropolitan Areas? Evidence from Shanghai, China
by Xiaoping Zhou, Xiaotian Li and Xiaokun Gu
Land 2023, 12(3), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030620 - 05 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1604
Abstract
Capital outflow during industrialization and urbanization is a primary reason for global rural recession, and China is no exception. Since China focuses on the integrated development of urban and rural areas, urban-rural capital flow affects the transformation and sustainable development of rural areas. [...] Read more.
Capital outflow during industrialization and urbanization is a primary reason for global rural recession, and China is no exception. Since China focuses on the integrated development of urban and rural areas, urban-rural capital flow affects the transformation and sustainable development of rural areas. However, few studies have focused on this issue. Based on long-term field observations of Wufang Village in Shanghai, we established an analytical framework to describe how urban-rural capital flow promotes rural reconstruction. The research results show that the influx of urban industrial and commercial capital results in market-oriented organization and reconstruction focusing on land, industry, and capital: (1) Land-use optimization changes the land ownership and spatial structure of rural areas and improves the spatial value of rural areas. (2) Industrial development is focused on diverse development and the integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries in rural areas. (3) Capital investment is performed by a consortium of state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, and rural collective enterprises—which jointly invest, obtain revenue, and share profits—while considering the balance between attracting capital to rural areas and achieving independent development. The experience of Wufang Village has implications for the rural transformation policies of other large cities in China and other countries in Asia and Africa during urbanization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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20 pages, 440 KiB  
Article
Decision Making and Influencing Factors in Withdrawal of Rural Residential Land-Use Rights in Suzhou, Anhui Province, China
by Xianjun Wang and Junfang Kang
Land 2023, 12(2), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020479 - 15 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1535
Abstract
The withdrawal of rural residential land-use rights is a major initiative in China’s current rural land reform, and it is of great importance in promoting the rural revitalization and urbanization strategy. The Chinese government encourages farmers to withdraw from their residential bases in [...] Read more.
The withdrawal of rural residential land-use rights is a major initiative in China’s current rural land reform, and it is of great importance in promoting the rural revitalization and urbanization strategy. The Chinese government encourages farmers to withdraw from their residential bases in an orderly manner to effectively revitalize land resources. The study aimed to explore the key factors that influenced the decision of farmers to withdraw from their rural residential lands in different contexts and proposed suggestions for related policy reforms. Firstly, the study proposed hypotheses based on the theories of the hierarchy of needs and peasant household behavior, combined with the current situation of the research area. Then taking the withdrawal policies and practical experiences of some pilot areas in China as a reference. Secondly, the study set five exit modes for withdrawing the right to use rural residential land and programmed four dimensions of the factors that affected those decisions to form the questionnaire. A total of 533 valid questionnaires were obtained by using scenario simulation. Thirdly, the study analyzed the influential factors of the exit decisions of the different modes using the multivariate ordered logistic regression model and tested the hypotheses using the abovementioned methods. The results showed the following: (1) the willingness of the rural residents to accept the different exit modes for withdrawing their rural residential land-use rights substantially varied. The rural residents prioritized the exit modes that were beneficial to their future housing and other social security. (2) There were some differences in the influencing factors on the exit decisions. Among the four-dimensional factors, the “rural residents’ cognitive characteristics” had a substantial impact on the decisions for withdrawing rural residential land-use rights. Based on the research conclusions, the study proposed some targeted policy suggestions: steadily promoting the construction of a high-quality social security system, promoting classified governance policies based on the diversified needs of farmers and strengthening the individual cognition of relocated farmers to withdraw from homesteads. In addition, a more scientific and reasonable land governance system needs to be established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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19 pages, 909 KiB  
Article
Will Transaction Cost Be Reduced in the E-Commerce Model of Farmland Transfer in China?
by Xuewen Li, Yi Peng and Yunlai Yao
Land 2023, 12(2), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020450 - 09 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1323
Abstract
Farmland transfer is an inevitable approach to solving farmland fragmentation and the resulting low productivity in China. Although the central government has formulated various guidelines on farmland transfer, the traditional transfer model faces high transaction cost and thus hinders transfer. With e-commerce development [...] Read more.
Farmland transfer is an inevitable approach to solving farmland fragmentation and the resulting low productivity in China. Although the central government has formulated various guidelines on farmland transfer, the traditional transfer model faces high transaction cost and thus hinders transfer. With e-commerce development in China, an alternative Jutudi model of farmland transfer with e-commerce has occurred in China. Although transaction cost is an important perspective for understanding reforms, few studies have been conducted to explore whether the transaction cost of the Jutudi model would be reduced compared with the traditional model of farmland transfer and why the Jutudi model succeeds. This study introduces the operation mechanism of the Jutudi model of farmland transfer and the context of the pilot project in Jixi County, Anhui Province. Changes in transaction cost in terms of information search cost, negotiation and contracting process costs, and contract supervision and execution costs are analyzed in the Jutudi model. It is found that the productivity of transferred farmlands significantly improved using the Jutudi model in Jixi County. Transaction cost is generally lowered in the Jutudi model compared with the traditional one. How the changes in transaction cost contribute to farmland transfer is also explained. Potential problems and relevant recommendations have also been discussed to promote the Jutudi model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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20 pages, 1259 KiB  
Article
Research on the Impact of Digital Agriculture Development on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity
by Xinxin Zhou, Tong Chen and Bangbang Zhang
Land 2023, 12(1), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12010195 - 07 Jan 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3993
Abstract
In this study, to discover how the growth of digital agriculture has impacted agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP), we take panel data from 2011 to 2019 for 30 Chinese provinces as the research object, measure the growth of AGTFP and digital agriculture [...] Read more.
In this study, to discover how the growth of digital agriculture has impacted agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP), we take panel data from 2011 to 2019 for 30 Chinese provinces as the research object, measure the growth of AGTFP and digital agriculture development using the SBM-ML and entropy method, and use a fixed effect model to analyze the effects of digital agriculture development on AGTFP. The results demonstrate that (1) from the time-series characteristics, digital agriculture presented a steady growth state from 2011 to 2019; (2) during the study period, the technical efficiency index was slightly lower than the technological progress index in the AGTFP index, meaning that there is room for further development; (3) the relationship between the growth of digital agriculture and AGTFP presents an inverted U-shaped curve, with human capital playing a moderating role. Finally, corresponding countermeasures are proposed in four aspects: strengthening the construction of organizational mechanisms, building a standardized base for digital agriculture output, enhancing the traceability and certification of agricultural products, and improving social services in the agricultural industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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16 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Water Conservation Function Based on the InVEST Model: Taking Poyang Lake Region as an Example
by Qianru Chen, Xin Xu, Manyu Wu, Jiaming Wen and Jinlang Zou
Land 2022, 11(12), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122228 - 07 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1300
Abstract
This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns, water yield and water conservation function of different land use types in Poyang Lake Region, China, during 1990–2020 by using national land use, meteorological, soil, DEM data, etc., based on the InVEST model. The results showed that: [...] Read more.
This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns, water yield and water conservation function of different land use types in Poyang Lake Region, China, during 1990–2020 by using national land use, meteorological, soil, DEM data, etc., based on the InVEST model. The results showed that: (1) Cultivated land, forestland and water area were the main land use types in Poyang Lake Region during 1990–2020. Construction land and forestland were increasing, while grassland, unused land, cultivated land and water area were decreasing. (2) The increasing construction land was mainly derived from cultivated land. Mutual transfer existed between cultivated land and forestland, as well as between cultivated land and water area. (3) With a downward–upward–downward fluctuating trend, the average annual water yield of Poyang Lake Region was 16.17 × 109 m³, and the water conservation was 53.11 × 108 m³. The average water conservation capacity was 270.98 mm. The vegetation cover area with high water conservation value was mainly concentrated in the northwest of Jiujiang City and the northeast of Poyang County. (4) The average water conservation of different land use types during 1990–2020 was ranked as follows: water area > cultivated land > forestland > construction land > grassland > unused land. The water conservation capacity was ranked as follows: water area > grassland > forestland > cultivated land > construction land > unused land. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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17 pages, 4312 KiB  
Article
Spatial–Temporal Evolution Patterns and Regulatory Strategies for Land Resource Carrying Capacity of China’s Major Grain-Producing Areas
by Jia Gao, Rongrong Zhao, Ge Song, Yuxin Zhan and Yaohui Zhu
Land 2022, 11(12), 2127; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122127 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
Research on land resource carrying capacity (LRCC) focuses on the population that regional land resources can support as well as the grain output they can deliver. China’s major grain-producing areas consist of 13 provinces, and the grain produced in these areas makes up [...] Read more.
Research on land resource carrying capacity (LRCC) focuses on the population that regional land resources can support as well as the grain output they can deliver. China’s major grain-producing areas consist of 13 provinces, and the grain produced in these areas makes up 75% of the country’s gross grain output. To boost the land carrying capacity of major grain-producing areas and to ensure national food security, it is crucial to examine the spatial–temporal evolution patterns of LRCC and to devise optimal regulatory strategies. From the perspective of human–grain relationships, this paper looks into the evolutionary features of the spatial–temporal patterns of the LRCC of China’s major grain-producing areas based on a land resource carrying capacity model, a land resource carrying capacity index model, and a land resource limitation model. We obtain three main results: (1) On the temporal scale, the land resource carrying capacity index (LRCCI) of China’s major grain-producing areas as a whole tapered off over a period from 1980 to 2020, whereas the overall LRCC increased in this period, indicating that the human–grain relationship in China’s major grain-producing areas is improving. (2) On a spatial scale, China’s major grain-producing areas ranked by LRCC from the greatest to the lowest, in 2020, were North China, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Northeast China, and other regions. In terms of the carrying state of land resources, provinces with grain surpluses significantly rose during 1980–2020, the growth of LRCC of the aforementioned four major regions markedly slowed down in 2015–2020, and a large gap exists in LRCCI between the 13 provinces, revealing an unbalanced, insufficient development of LRCC in each province. (3) From 2000 to 2020, the limit of land resources on population aggregation in most major grain-producing areas was negative, and its absolute value continued to increase; this suggests that the land resources of major grain-producing provinces set small limits on population aggregation, with great potential for increasing LRCC. Taking into account the research results, this paper gives strategies for regulating the LRCC of China’s major grain-producing areas in a bid to further augment the human–grain carrying capacity of land resources in China’s major grain-producing areas and to guarantee national food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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17 pages, 800 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Agricultural Extension Agent’s Sustainable Cotton Land Production Competencies: Subject Matter Discrepancies Restricting Farmers’ Information Adoption
by Paige Seitz, Robert Strong, Steve Hague and Theresa P. Murphrey
Land 2022, 11(11), 2075; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11112075 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2198
Abstract
Cotton is more chemically intensive than many other commodities, which negatively impacts rural livelihoods at higher rates. Improvement in environmental stewardship of cotton would substantially impact the long-term sustainability of agriculture in cotton producing regions globally. Extension personnel provide producer education to improve [...] Read more.
Cotton is more chemically intensive than many other commodities, which negatively impacts rural livelihoods at higher rates. Improvement in environmental stewardship of cotton would substantially impact the long-term sustainability of agriculture in cotton producing regions globally. Extension personnel provide producer education to improve these issues that ultimately impact economic growth and quality of life in rural areas, but their proficiency to foster innovation and diffusion of crop-specific content is unknown. A 48-item survey was administered to agricultural extension personnel in five U.S. states to develop an understanding of extension professionals’ current knowledge in sustainable cotton production and sustainability, identify pertinent training needs to address in future professional development curricula, and to discern the value of crop-specific competency evaluation in organizational needs assessment. A ranked discrepancy model and an exploratory factor analysis of survey results indicated a glaring need for training in all evaluated competency areas to improve sustainability in cotton producing regions. Synchronous or asynchronous trainings could be developed for change agents to better serve the needs of rural cotton producers. Knowledge transfer or adoption diffusion of rural land sustainability recommendations to farmers will be challenging to achieve in the study’s region until change agent’s proficiency of sustainable cotton production practices improves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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29 pages, 8830 KiB  
Article
Study on Spatio-Temporal Changes of Land Use Sustainability in Southwestern Border Mountainous Provinces in Recent 20 Years Based on Remote Sensing Interpretation: A Case Study in Yunnan Province, China
by Renyi Yang, Qiuju Wu, Zisheng Yang and Shiqin Yang
Land 2022, 11(11), 1957; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111957 - 02 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1607
Abstract
The basic characteristics of mountain areas are that the innate ecological environment is relatively fragile, the acquired ecological environment is severely damaged and degraded, the whole economy and society are still relatively backward, and the degree of sustainable development is relatively low. At [...] Read more.
The basic characteristics of mountain areas are that the innate ecological environment is relatively fragile, the acquired ecological environment is severely damaged and degraded, the whole economy and society are still relatively backward, and the degree of sustainable development is relatively low. At present, it has not been seen that land use sustainability evaluation (LUSE) research lasting for many years based on RS and GIS in mountainous provinces. It is urgent to build a suitable, feasible, operable and applicable LUSE system for mountainous regions so as to provide a basic foundation for strategic planning and management of sustainable land use in mountainous provinces. This study integrated “RS and GIS + multi-phase LUCC + LUSE theory and quantitative practical methods” based on mountain provinces, firmly grasped the basic characteristics of mountain areas—the vulnerability of ecological environment, and conducted the study on mountain LUSE. According to the outcomes of RS of land use in the study area in three phases (2000, 2010 and 2020), a comprehensive indicator system is established from the three dimensions of ecological friendliness of land use (EFLU), the economic viability of land use (EVLU) and social acceptability of land use (SALU). Using the Delphi method to determine weights and combining the AHP method and the comprehensive analysis method, this paper quantitatively measures the overall sustainability of land use (OSLU) of 129 counties in Yunnan province in 2000, 2010 and 2020, revealing the spatio-temporal characteristics of the OSLU of Yunnan province and all counties from 2000 to 2020, and aiming to provide a basic and foundation for strategic planning and management of sustainable land use (SLU) in mountainous provinces. The degree of ecological friendliness (DEF), degree of economic viability (DEV), degree of social acceptability (DSA) and degree of overall sustainability (DOS) in Yunnan province and all counties have been significantly improved. Accordingly, the OSLU has been improved to a certain extent, with a 0.66% annual growth rate. It indicates that the development and construction from 2000 to 2020 have significantly improved the OSLU. However, regional differences are large. At present, EFLU, EVLU, and SALU in Yunnan province are not high as a whole. The basic situation reflected that there are obvious deficiencies in EFLU, EVLU and SALU in Yunnan province. Land exploitation and use activities have caused certain influences and the destruction of the ecological environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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13 pages, 1383 KiB  
Article
Agricultural Location and Crop Choices in China: A Revisitation on Von Thünen Model
by Hongyun Han, Zhen Yuan and Kai Zou
Land 2022, 11(11), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111885 - 24 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4843
Abstract
Growing populations and rapid urbanization have put tremendous pressure on the food supply. The rural hinterland around cities is an important source of the urban food supply chain. Facing the constraints of China’s land stock, reasonable use of land space and optimization of [...] Read more.
Growing populations and rapid urbanization have put tremendous pressure on the food supply. The rural hinterland around cities is an important source of the urban food supply chain. Facing the constraints of China’s land stock, reasonable use of land space and optimization of agricultural crop structure is crucial to meet the food demand. Von Thünen Model, which is fronted by a 19th-century German economist, outlines a rural landscape of commercial farmers growing agricultural products for local markets while proposing basic patterns and principles of land use in agriculture. Using data from China’s OVOP (“One village, One product”), this paper analyzes the agricultural location and crop choices around two levels of cities (provincial capital cities, and county-level cities) by using Thünen’s theory. The results showed that crop density did decrease as the distance to urban increased. Crop rings are present in the vicinity of both metropolitan and county-level cities, distributed according to crop intensity. Evidence from China suggests that agricultural location and crop selection still follow the basic principles of the Thünen model. Planners and policymakers should refocus on the Von Thünen model to utilize land space and optimize agricultural production scientifically and efficiently. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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24 pages, 3317 KiB  
Article
Resources or Capital?—The Quality Improvement Mechanism of Precision Poverty Alleviation by Land Elements
by Dongsheng Zhang, Ming Yang and Ziyou Wang
Land 2022, 11(10), 1874; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101874 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1516
Abstract
With China facing the challenges of fragmentation, multidimensionality, and the dynamics of relative poverty under the present situation, more attention is being paid to the role of land in poverty alleviation. In order to improve the quality of precision in poverty alleviation, it [...] Read more.
With China facing the challenges of fragmentation, multidimensionality, and the dynamics of relative poverty under the present situation, more attention is being paid to the role of land in poverty alleviation. In order to improve the quality of precision in poverty alleviation, it is urgent to clarify the micromechanisms of precision poverty alleviation methods that utilize land elements. On the basis of panel data from 29 provinces from 2010 to 2016, this research uses a panel vector autoregressive model to empirically analyze the mechanisms of interaction among land resource endowment, land capital endowment, and rural poverty. The research results show that the improvement of land resource endowment has had a relatively prominent effect on short-term poverty reduction, while the improvement of land capital endowment has had a relatively longer-term effect on the improvement of rural poverty. Land capital endowment and rural poverty can constitute a positive, cumulative circular effect, which can play a sustainable role in improving poverty. The increase in land resource endowment has a positive effect on land capital endowment, but excessive increases in land capital endowment were found to have a negative effect on land resource endowment. Therefore, the implementation of land element resource-based and capital-based poverty alleviation policies can distinguish between shorter-term and relatively longer-term goals, enabling a more accurate improvement of the quality of poverty alleviation. At the same time, this approach is more sustainable, since it makes full use of the circular effect constituted by land capital endowment and rural poverty. However, attention should be paid to preventing damages to land resource endowment, which can be caused by the excessive capitalization of land. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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17 pages, 1389 KiB  
Article
Analyzing Farmers’ Cultivated-Land-Abandonment Behavior: Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior and a Structural Equation Model
by Qianru Chen
Land 2022, 11(10), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101777 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1714
Abstract
Based on the hypothesis of individual-bounded rationality, this study analyzes the mechanisms of farmers’ cultivated land abandonment behavior, theoretically and empirically, by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and a structural equation model (SEM). On the basis of the TPB’s logical analysis [...] Read more.
Based on the hypothesis of individual-bounded rationality, this study analyzes the mechanisms of farmers’ cultivated land abandonment behavior, theoretically and empirically, by integrating the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and a structural equation model (SEM). On the basis of the TPB’s logical analysis framework of farmers’ abandonment behavior, combined with social psychology, behavioral economics, and a household behavior model, this study analyzes the influence of attitude on behavior, the subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on farmers’ abandonment actions, then verifies it via an SEM Model. The research shows that farmers’ abandonment behavior accords with the theory of planned behavior. Farmers’ recognition of the negative impacts of abandonment, the intervention of important other persons, and the obstacles encountered in the process of abandonment can effectively restrain farmers’ abandonment behavior. Finally, by considering the determinants for farmers’ abandonment decisions, this study proposes to curb abandonment practices through measures that include strengthening publicity about abandonment, creating a favorable atmosphere for farming, and improving tillage conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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18 pages, 6155 KiB  
Article
Delineation of the Development Boundary of the Central District of Zhengzhou, China
by Jingeng Huo, Zhenqin Shi, Wenbo Zhu, Xin Chen, Hua Xue, Ran Ma and Yanhui Yan
Land 2022, 11(9), 1393; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091393 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1876
Abstract
An urban development boundary is an effective means to guide urban development and restrain unplanned expansion of urban space. Scientifically-based delineation and control of the boundary can help with sustainable use of land resources and better spatial planning. This study took land use [...] Read more.
An urban development boundary is an effective means to guide urban development and restrain unplanned expansion of urban space. Scientifically-based delineation and control of the boundary can help with sustainable use of land resources and better spatial planning. This study took land use data from 2000, 2010, and 2020 for the central urban area of Zhengzhou and predicted the land use pattern in 2035. We used auto-logistic selection of driving factors, future land use simulation, and system dynamics models to delineate the development boundary of the central urban area. We complemented and optimized the boundary using agricultural and ecological perspectives. The results indicated the following: (1) The ROC values of land driving factors were greater than 0.75 in the regression test, and the Kappa and OA were greater than 0.92 in the accuracy test of land simulation results. (2) The boundary range initially delineated based on morphology was 2319 km2. There was a clear overall development trend of the central urban area to the east and southeast, which included the historical urban area of Zhengzhou and the new government planning area. (3) The optimized boundary of the central district area was 2209 km2, the ecological land control area was 136 km2, and the basic farmland protection area was 54 km2. The Yellow River, the airport, and the western, southern, and eastern areas were already formed. The study concluded that the delineated boundary was in line with the scientific concepts of ‘rigid’ and ‘flexible’ factors, which have positive effects on the protection of arable land resources and ecological land, as well as meeting the needs of urban development. The level of sustainable development of the region was effectively improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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20 pages, 1294 KiB  
Article
What Is Farmers’ Level of Satisfaction under China’s Policy of Collective-Owned Commercial Construction Land Marketisation?
by Jiali Liu and Hengwei Wang
Land 2022, 11(8), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11081335 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1596
Abstract
The entry of collective-owned commercial construction land into the market is a major reform of China’s land management system, which will help promote the appreciation of rural land, establish a unified urban and rural construction land market, and help rural revitalisation and urban–rural [...] Read more.
The entry of collective-owned commercial construction land into the market is a major reform of China’s land management system, which will help promote the appreciation of rural land, establish a unified urban and rural construction land market, and help rural revitalisation and urban–rural integrated development. Based on the classic customer satisfaction index model, this study constructs a satisfaction model for farmers who enter the market with collective-owned commercial construction land. Farmers’ satisfaction is measured by 7 latent variables and the corresponding 22 observed variables, forming a causal chain containing 13 pairs of interactions. Taking as an example Dazu District of Chongqing City, one of the pilot areas where China’s collective-owned commercial construction land has come on the market, AMOS statistical analysis software is used to test the hypotheses. The research results show that: farmers’ information awareness has the greatest impact on farmers’ satisfaction; the higher farmers’ perceived quality is, the more they can improve their satisfaction; there is a significant relationship between farmers’ satisfaction, farmers’ complaints and farmers’ trust; and the three are closely related. Finally, based on the research results, we try to put forward targeted policy suggestions in order to provide a useful reference for government to push for the promotion of the collective-owned commercial construction land marketisation in other rural areas of China and its future improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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17 pages, 984 KiB  
Article
Analyzing the Driving Mechanism of Rural Transition from the Perspective of Rural–Urban Continuum: A Case Study of Suzhou, China
by Yuan Yuan, Wentao Zhao, Hongqing Li and Han Mu
Land 2022, 11(8), 1146; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11081146 - 25 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Rural transition has become a core topic in the study of the urban–rural relationship in China. Analyzing the transition process and sorting out the key driving factors in different periods is essential for providing critical references for the urban–rural integration and rural revitalization [...] Read more.
Rural transition has become a core topic in the study of the urban–rural relationship in China. Analyzing the transition process and sorting out the key driving factors in different periods is essential for providing critical references for the urban–rural integration and rural revitalization policy. This paper takes Suzhou, a rapidly urbanizing prefecture-level city that has experienced three obvious stages of rural transition since China’s reform and opening-up, as the case area to explore the driving mechanism from the perspective of rural–urban continuum. We first construct the index system for measuring rural transition from two dimensions of rurality and urbanity. Then, we identify the core influencing factors of different phases from 1990 to 2015, employing spatial regression models and then extract the main driving mechanism. The results revealed the following key findings. (1) Rural transition in Suzhou has both proximity effects and structural effects; the development patterns of rural areas are becoming more heterogeneous. (2) From the rurality dimension, the regression coefficient of index representing grain production changes from positive to negative during the research periods, reflecting the “non-grain” trend of agricultural production in rural areas. (3) From the urbanity dimension, the regression coefficient of index promoting by foreign direct investment increases from 0.372 in 1990 to 0.829 in 2015, indicating that the external driving force of rural transition has become stronger. (4) In 2015, the regression coefficient of index representing tertiary industry reaches 0.468, meaning the modern service industry has played an increasingly important role in rural development. Our study provides valuable insights into the dynamic change of driving mechanism of rural transition at the town level, argues that the general trend of viewing transition process as rurality weakens and urbanity enhances could be replaced by multifunctional pathways. This study supplements existing research to understand new phenomena during the transition process, the latter offer implications for policy-making, such as grain security, spatial spillovers, and rural tourism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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17 pages, 5372 KiB  
Article
Urban Expansion and Carbon Emission Logistic Curve Hypothesis and Its Verification: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province
by Xueli Zhong, Xiaoshun Li and Yongfeng Li
Land 2022, 11(7), 1066; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11071066 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1316
Abstract
Based on the general patterns of urban expansion and carbon emissions at home and abroad, the IPCC carbon emission coefficient estimation method and logistic equation are applied to verify the logistic curve relationship between urban expansion and carbon emissions and to quantitatively measure [...] Read more.
Based on the general patterns of urban expansion and carbon emissions at home and abroad, the IPCC carbon emission coefficient estimation method and logistic equation are applied to verify the logistic curve relationship between urban expansion and carbon emissions and to quantitatively measure the upper limit of carbon emissions and the inflection point of carbon emission growth. The results show that (1) the corresponding cumulative carbon emission intensity of foreign (regional) urban expansion gradually decreases during the transition from the primary stage to the saturation stage; (2) urban expansion and carbon emissions in China are characterized by cyclical fluctuations during the 1978–2014 period, and the fluctuations of the two show significant decoupling or divergence after 2014; and (3) urban expansion and carbon emission in Jiangsu province during the 2002–2019 period shows a logistic curve hypothesis relationship, and the cumulative carbon emissions in the built-up areas of Southern Jiangsu, Central Jiangsu and Northern Jiangsu show an inflection point when they reach 3128.12 km2, 627.25 km2 and 973.9 km2, with the cumulative carbon emission caps of 197.238 × 108 t, 14.487 × 108 t and 29.289 × 108 t, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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22 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
The Land System and the Rise and Fall of China’s Rural Industrialization: Based on the Perspective of Institutional Change of Rural Collective Construction Land
by Dongshui Xie, Caiquan Bai, Huimin Wang and Qihang Xue
Land 2022, 11(7), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11070960 - 22 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1704
Abstract
China’s rural industrialization, which flourished in the 1980s, has suddenly declined since the mid-1990s. Based on the perspective of institutional change of rural collective construction land, this paper discusses the reasons behind the rise and fall of China’s rural industrialization. Using the empirical [...] Read more.
China’s rural industrialization, which flourished in the 1980s, has suddenly declined since the mid-1990s. Based on the perspective of institutional change of rural collective construction land, this paper discusses the reasons behind the rise and fall of China’s rural industrialization. Using the empirical tests of China’s provincial panel data from 1987 to 1997, it is found that from the 1980s to the mid-1990s, the government relaxed the regulation of collective construction land and allowed its transfer, which was the institutional basis for the rapid rise of China’s rural industrialization with township and village enterprises (TVEs) as the main form. Furthermore, this paper takes the government’s policy of prohibiting the circulation of collective construction land from the mid-1990s as the breakthrough point, and uses the “Land Administration Law of China” promulgated in 1998 as a quasi-natural experiment to examine the causal relationship between restricting the circulation of collective construction land and the decline of TVEs. It is found that the restrictions on the circulation of collective construction land caused by the implementation of the law significantly hindered the development of TVEs. After the implementation of the Land Administration Law, in areas affected more by the law, the development scale of their TVEs shrunk even more. The analysis of this paper shows that deepening the reform of the system of property rights on agricultural land and ensuring farmers’ rights of land circulation are important ways to revitalize the rural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
21 pages, 2207 KiB  
Article
Efficiency Analysis of Land Use and the Degree of Coupling Link between Population Growth and Global Built-Up Area in the Subregion of West Africa
by Bonoua Faye, Guoming Du and Ru Zhang
Land 2022, 11(6), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11060847 - 05 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1769
Abstract
The main challenge for land use efficiency is population growth. Using a coupling coordination model and the Sustainable Development Goal 11.3.1 (Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate, LCRPGR), the present study unravels the evolution of land use types and efficiency of land [...] Read more.
The main challenge for land use efficiency is population growth. Using a coupling coordination model and the Sustainable Development Goal 11.3.1 (Land Consumption Rate to Population Growth Rate, LCRPGR), the present study unravels the evolution of land use types and efficiency of land use in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2003 to 2019. We interpreted the temporal land use types based on the long-time series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MCD12Q1-V6) land use images in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. The World Bank data on population and socioeconomics were used to support the investigation on the coupled link. Our results showed that from 2003 to 2019, the total area of agricultural land decreased by −1.4%, while the built-up area expanded by 25.80%. Globally, the LCRPGR was 0.82, of which Cabo-Verdi and Niger had the highest (1.69) and lowest index (0.58), respectively. Correspondingly, the coupled coordination model indicated an overall value of 6.81, in which the highest and lowest value occurred in Liberia (29.78) and Niger (0.31), respectively. Furthermore, a rapidly growing population had become one of the most important factors causing inefficient land use in the study area. In summary, the ECOWAS was confronted with a lack of management to improve land use efficiency. Thus, future land use policies should pay more attention to balancing the coupled relationship between urban expansion and socio-economic interests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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18 pages, 2979 KiB  
Article
Exploration of Informal Farmland Leasing Mode: A Case Study of Huang Village in China
by Tingting Fang, Yuefei Zhuo, Cifang Wu, Yihu Zhou, Zhongguo Xu and Guan Li
Land 2022, 11(5), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050756 - 21 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2006
Abstract
How to effectively promote the large-scale and market-oriented farmland leasing process in China is one of the most important practical issues concerning the current academic circle and decision makers. However, restricted by the current situation of rural social development, farmers’ spontaneous and informal [...] Read more.
How to effectively promote the large-scale and market-oriented farmland leasing process in China is one of the most important practical issues concerning the current academic circle and decision makers. However, restricted by the current situation of rural social development, farmers’ spontaneous and informal farmland leasing is still widespread. Exploring the long-term evolution characteristics of informal farmland leasing at the village scale is of great significance for optimizing the process of farmland leasing, perfecting the farmland leasing market, and promoting moderate-scale farmland management. Therefore, based on field survey data from the whole village and social network analysis methods, this research conducted a detailed empirical study on the characteristics, development process, and consequences of informal farmland leasing behavior in a traditional rural society in central China. The results show that with the development of time, the scope of informal farmland leasing in Huang village has been expanding, of which more than 70% of the farmland in 2020 was leased among acquaintances. Farmland leasing among acquaintances is becoming a trend toward informal farmland leasing in some villages. At present, 13 large-scale households lease 73.9% of the total area of farmland leasing in Huang village. The informal farmland leasing in the village has basically formed a centralized circulation pattern with the villager group as the core, which can promote moderate-scale farming to a certain extent. However, there are also problems, such as the ability of a simple internal leasing mode to resist external risks is limited. The findings may be helpful in rethinking China’s farmland leasing policy and provide useful insights into the multifaceted rural sustainability of other similar traditional villages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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18 pages, 5209 KiB  
Article
Involution Effect: Does China’s Rural Land Transfer Market Still Have Efficiency?
by Shichao Yuan and Jian Wang
Land 2022, 11(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050704 - 07 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2325
Abstract
Sustainable agricultural economic growth emphasizes the improvement of agricultural technical efficiency. This paper examines the impact of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency by constructing a theoretical framework of the impact mechanism of the rural land transfer market on agricultural [...] Read more.
Sustainable agricultural economic growth emphasizes the improvement of agricultural technical efficiency. This paper examines the impact of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency by constructing a theoretical framework of the impact mechanism of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency. The data of rural land transfer market in 30 provinces from 2005 to 2020 in China were used in this paper, and the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and Tobit model equation linkage was applied. The results showed: (1) In terms of time differences, the rural land transfer market had a significant stimulating and involution effect on agricultural technical efficiency. In 2006–2015, the rural land transfer market had a significant stimulating effect on agricultural technical efficiency, and, in 2016–2020, the rural land transfer market entered the stage of involution, and the rural land transfer market had a involution effect on agricultural technical efficiency. (2) In terms of regional differences, the stimulating effect of the rural land transfer market on agricultural technical efficiency was mainly concentrated in the main grain producing areas, and the involution effect was mainly concentrated in the non-main grain producing areas. (3) The involution effect of the rural land transfer market exceeded the stimulating effect, which made the rural land transfer market have a inhibition effect on agricultural technical efficiency from a comprehensive view of the overall trend. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Rural Sustainability)
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