Analyzing the green efficiency of arable land use in China

Abstract

In this study, a non-radial directional distance function (NDDF) approach is used to evaluate and analyze the green efficiency of arable land use of China's 30 provinces and cities during the period 1995–2013. The study finds that the green efficiency of arable land use in China shows a trend that is first declining and then increasing. Northeast China is the most efficient, followed by the southwestern region, the eastern region, and the northwestern region; the central region has the lowest efficiency. At the provincial level, the green efficiency of arable land use in Guangdong is the highest, followed by Guangxi and Jilin. The green efficiency of arable land use in Heilongjiang, Beijing, and Tibet is relatively low. All the environmentally green production technology leaders come from the northeastern, northwestern, and southwestern regions. The results of an analysis of dynamic efficiency change show that the technology change for arable land use was significantly higher than the efficiency change. This reflects that the country's attempts to improve production technology as well as its policies for the improvement of environmental conditions had played a significant role. Even though these practices are at the expense of short-term efficiency, they are conducive to long-term technological progress.