Spatiotemporal evolution and convergence of agricultural eco-efficiency in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River

Abstract

In the context of regional coordinated development, exploring the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of agricultural eco-efficiency(AEE) in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River(MRYR) can provide decision support for the coordinated development of regional agriculture. This study proposes a theoretical hypothesis of AEE spatial convergence at the input-output level and uses the Super-SBM model, kernel density estimation, spatial autocorrelation and β-convergence model to calculate the spatiotemporal evolution and convergence characteristics of AEE in the MRYR from 2005 to 2020. The results show that (1) from 2005 to 2020, the AEE of the study area increased from 0.665 to 0.864, with the average efficiency of Hubei, Jiangxi, and Hunan reaching 0.794, 0.767, and 0.724, respectively; and (2)the overall spatial convergence rate of AEE is 0.045, and there is a phenomenon of “club convergence” between regions. The spatial convergence rates of Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hunan are 0.053, 0.063, and 0.048, respectively. The convergence rate slows down over time, (3) The farmers' living standards, per capita GDP, and technological level have promoted the improvement of AEE. Multiple planting indices and financial support for agriculture have not had a positive effect on the improvement of AEE. The region should strengthen the exchange and cooperation of agricultural production and pay attention to the pollution discharge problem of agricultural production.