Is Land Expropriation to Keep Agricultural Use an Effective Strategy for the Conservation of an Urban Agricultural Heritage System? Evidence from China

Fei Zhao, Changqiao Zhu, Jia’en Zhang (), Shiming Luo, Yueyi Feng, Huimin Xiang, Yichen Jiang, Xiali Lu and Yi Tian
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Fei Zhao: Research Base of Guangzhou Agricultural Heritage Systems, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Changqiao Zhu: Research Base of Guangzhou Agricultural Heritage Systems, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Jia’en Zhang: College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Shiming Luo: College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Yueyi Feng: College of Economics and Trade, Guangdong Polytechnic of Industry and Commerce, Guangzhou 510510, China
Huimin Xiang: College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Yichen Jiang: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Xiali Lu: Research Base of Guangzhou Agricultural Heritage Systems, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Yi Tian: Research Base of Guangzhou Agricultural Heritage Systems, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-17

Abstract: Urbanization is one of the major threats to the dynamic inheritance of the agricultural heritage system (AHS). The ability to achieve sustainable development in intra-urban areas is an essential proposition related to the innovation of AHS conservation principles. The Haizhu high bed-low ditch agroecosystem (HHBLDA), a China-Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage System site located at the center of Guangzhou City, is taken as an example in this study. The effect of implementing the Land Acquisition to Keep Agricultural Use (LAKAU) on intra-urban AHS conservation is assessed through literature collection and review, field survey, and in-depth interviews. The results show that the LAKAU was implemented because of a three-decades-long struggle between ecological conservation and urban sprawl. Because of the important functions of ecosystem services, the AHS can coexist with urban land use in the course of rapid urbanization. The LAKAU mode can ensure that the nature of farmland remains unchanged, which is an effective strategy for the conservation of an urban AHS. The resulting problems, such as high operating costs, insufficient agricultural outputs, and insufficient local farmers in the AHS site because of off-farm opportunities, should be addressed by establishing an effective self-sustaining mechanism. Realizing the compatibility of management concepts between the AHS and nature reserves, adapting to the changing role of farmers, and strengthening the acceptance of the AHS by urban managers should attract the attention of decision-makers.

Keywords: urban agricultural heritage system; high bed-low ditch agroecosystem; farmland; land acquisition; wetland; nature reserve (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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