The impact of urbanization on urban agriculture: Evidence from China

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between urbanization and urban agriculture in China. We first analyze the spatial correlation of urbanization and urban agriculture using the spatial Moran index. We, then, perform an empirical analysis using the Spatial Durbin Model. We find that: (1) Both urban agriculture and urbanization have spatial autocorrelation. From 2001 to 2012, the spatial autocorrelation index of urban agriculture was between 0.03 and 0.2, while urbanization reached 1.77–2.08. (2) Urbanization has generally improved per capita urban agriculture in local cities. When urbanization increases by 1%, the per capita value added of urban agriculture increases by 0.58%. (3) Urban agriculture and convenient transportation in surrounding cities will also bring spatial spillover effects to local urban agriculture. Every 1% increase in urban agriculture of surrounding areas will reduce the added value of local urban agriculture by 0.31%. However, if the transportation convenience in the surrounding area increases by 1%, the local urban agriculture will increase by 0.24%. The conclusions as below: Urbanization will affect the development of local urban agriculture. In the process of promoting urbanization, we should pay more attention to the integration of agriculture with other advantageous industries and take advantage of urbanization. The economic and social development of surrounding cities also plays a role in local urban agriculture. Local governments should strengthen the scientific and economic exchanges with surrounding cities to promote the development of local urban agriculture.