Exploring the Spatial Network Structure of Agricultural Water Use Efficiency in China: A Social Network Perspective

Guangming Yang, Guofang Gong and Qingqing Gui
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Guangming Yang: School of Management, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
Guofang Gong: School of Management, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
Qingqing Gui: School of Management, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-22

Abstract: The exploration of the spatial network structure of agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) and its influencing factors for promoting water saving and improving water use efficiency in regional agricultural production is of great importance. In this paper, the modified gravity model and social network analysis methods were used to study the spatial correlation characteristics and influencing factors of AWUE in China between the years 2008 and 2019. It was found that (1) the overall trend of AWUE in China has been fluctuating and declining, and there are obvious differences in AWUE in each region; (2) the spatial network structure of AWUE in China is complex and relatively stable, with close interprovincial connections and obvious spatial spillover effects; (3) Shanghai, Beijing, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang are at the center of the network; and (4) the differences between geographical adjacency, technological development level, farmers’ income, and natural resource endowment have significant effects on the development of the AWUE network. These results provide a theoretical basis for the government to improve AWUE and promote collaborative regional development.

Keywords: agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE); spatial association; social network analysis (SNA); quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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