Search Results (76)

Land consolidation (LC) is a sustainability-oriented policy tool designed to address land fragmentation, inefficient spatial organization, and ecological degradation in rural areas. This research proposes a Production–Living–Ecological (PLE) spatial utilization efficiency evaluation system, based on an integrated methodological framework combining Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Entropy Weight Method (EWM), Attribute-Weighting Method (AWM), Linear Weighted Sum Method (LWSM), Threshold-Verification Coefficient Method (TVCM), Jenks Natural Breaks (JNB) classification, and the Obstacle Degree Model (ODM). The framework is applied to Qian County, located in the Guanzhong Plain in Shaanxi Province. The results reveal three key findings: (1) PLE efficiency exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity. Production efficiency shows a spatial pattern characterized by high values in the central region that gradually decrease toward the surrounding areas. In contrast, the living efficiency demonstrates higher values in the eastern and western regions, while remaining relatively low in the central area. Moreover, ecological efficiency shows a marked advantage in the northern region, indicating a distinct south–north gradient. (2) Integrated efficiency consolidation potential zones present distinct spatial distributions. Preliminary consolidation zones are primarily located in the western region; priority zones are concentrated in the south; and intensive consolidation zones are clustered in the central and southeastern areas, with sporadic distributions in the west and north. (3) Five primary obstacle factors hinder land use efficiency: intensive utilization of production land (PC1), agricultural land reutilization intensity (PC2), livability of living spaces (PC4), ecological space security (PC7), and ecological space fragmentation (PC8). These findings provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for formulating tar-gated LC strategies, optimizing rural spatial structures, and advancing sustainable development in similar regions. Full article

Off-grid and isolated rural communities in developing countries with limited resources require energy supplies for daily residential use and social, economic, and commercial activities. The use of data from space assets and space-based solar power is a feasible solution for addressing ground-based energy insecurity when harnessed in a hybrid manner. Advances in space solar power systems are recognized to be feasible sources of renewable energy. Their usefulness arises due to advances in satellite and space technology, making valuable space data available for smart grid design in these remote areas. In this case study, an isolated village in Namibia, characterized by high levels of solar irradiation and limited wind availability, is identified. Using NASA data, an autonomous hybrid system incorporating a solar photovoltaic array, a wind turbine, storage batteries, and a backup generator is designed. The local load profile, solar irradiation, and wind speed data were employed to ensure an accurate system model. Using HOMER Pro software V 3.14.2 for system simulation, a more advanced AI optimization was performed utilizing Grey Wolf Optimization and Harris Hawks Optimization, which are two metaheuristic algorithms. The results obtained show that the best performance was obtained with the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. This method achieved a minimum energy cost of USD 0.268/kWh. This paper presents the results obtained and demonstrates that advanced optimization techniques can enhance both the hybrid system’s financial cost and energy production efficiency, contributing to a sustainable electricity supply regime in this isolated rural community. Full article

When education in STEM, social science, and the humanities are disconnected from each other and from place, it is inauthentic and nonresponsive to the lived experiences of people and communities. In rural spaces, the Food–Energy–Water (FEW) Nexus, a framework for problem solving and decision-making around these central resources, is salient because of the concentration of FEW resource production and extraction present. Storying the FEW Nexus is an interdisciplinary pedagogical framework that is theoretically rooted in a critical pedagogy of place and socio-ecological systems. Storying the FEW Nexus brings together these two related but distinct frameworks, calling attention to the need for relevant, place-based, and rural-focused narratives within STEM instruction. Developed for K-12 learners in rural places, Storying the FEW Nexus positions STEM knowledge and skills as resources that, alongside local narratives, are vital to the sustainability and viability of communities with unique and intertwined environmental justice histories and current realities. The FEW Nexus is leveraged to support rural learners in developing sustainable solutions to local socio-ecological systems issues. In this conceptual paper, we review the literature base supporting this integrated approach, describe the framework within the context of these aims, and make suggestions for researchers and practitioners. Full article

An urban–rural–natural imbalance is evident; investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of the transitional geo-space (TG) between them facilitates the integration of urban–rural land use planning. In this study, we proposed a complex system model to explore the interactive dynamics between the social–economic systems and natural ecosystems of Changning County, Southwest China, with the TG being identified and classified across the two systems. Based on a three-dimensional “direction–speed–pattern” framework, we further quantified production–living–ecological space (PLE) changes and examined the impacts of these changes on the TG from 2000 to 2022. The results are as follows: (1) The TG was classified into five categories that were stratified according to the coupling intensity and orientation of the socioeconomic system and natural ecosystems in Changning County. (2) The transition type with the most complex socio-ecological coupling was the type of semi-socioeconomic process–semi-natural ecological process, occupying 32.6% (309.4 km²) of the county’s total area in 2000 and demonstrating the most pronounced spatial dynamics, exhibiting a reduction of 78.6 km² during the study period. (3) Negative impacts on TG dynamics were observed for the conversion of ecological space into agricultural production space (p < 0.01; R² > 0.24) and the dynamic degree of PLE transformations (p < 0.01; R² > 0.13). (4) The impacts of trends in PLE on the TG varied significantly across temporal phases, whereas the CONTAG index exhibited consistently non-significant effects throughout all study periods. This study provides a new insight into understanding the optimization of spatial development patterns in urban–rural–natural regions and offers theoretical support for the governance of national land space and high-quality economic and social development in mountainous areas. Full article

The rural population shrinkage caused by China’s imbalanced regional development poses challenges to infrastructure configuration and operation. Traditional centralized sewage treatment models face issues in cost-effectiveness, facility utilization rates, and sustainable maintenance, necessitating the exploration of adaptive governance technologies under new demographic conditions. The utilization-driven governance approach is recognized as an emerging method for rural domestic sewage management. This study selects Heyang County, a representative agricultural area in Guanzhong Plain, as a case study. Through mixed-methods research integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, we analyze the correlation between the Population Shrinkage Index (PSI) and facility operational efficiency, investigate the impact of resident population dynamics on rural sewage treatment patterns, and establish a theoretical “Source–Transmission–Sink” framework. Synthesizing local traditional governance practices with modern technological solutions, we propose a resource-oriented treatment system adapted to population shrinkage trends, comprising three technical components: source process reduction, transmission process interception, and sink process attenuation. This research emphasizes adjusting green water infrastructure (GWI) spatial configurations according to village characteristics in production–living–ecological spaces, forming a hierarchical attenuation mechanism through circular transmission pathways. This facilitates the transition from gray-infrastructure-dependent models to holistic pollution control systems with resource recovery capabilities. The findings provide theoretical foundations for policymaking and infrastructure planning in rural sewage management, offering significant references for sustainable rural water resource governance. Full article

This study applies the socio-metabolic approach and relatedly the concept of planetary urbanization understanding to detect the identity of the “alternative zones” embedded in the food supply chain of cities (FSC). To achieve shortened and sustainable FSCs for cities, strong alternative food networks (AFNs) should be developed and sustained. The precious element of a strong AFN is its urban areas, which serve as niche alternative food initiatives (AFIs) for sustainability transitions in food supply chains (FSCs). To achieve shorter and more sustainable FSCs in cities, it is crucial to develop and sustain empowered alternative food networks (AFNs) by deploying their AFIs. Within this context, this study examines AFIs in 12 European FUSILLI cities to understand the potential of the intrinsic AFN to accelerate the sustainable transition in FSCs. Considering the results of AFNs in accelerating sustainability transitions in FSCs. Results through spatial analyses of food ecosystems of FUSILLI cities, although there are prominent examples with a strong short and alternative food network, it is obvious that the sustainable transition into an alternative food network has proceeded; however, the analysis of AFNs in FUSILLI cities demonstrates that sustainability transitions have advanced through vigorous AFNs. However, extended urban areas still have room to supersede their place in conventional/industrial agricultural production, which remains embedded in these spaces. The same inference applies to urban—rural linkages, which need to be strengthened to support the relocation of the food system in the development of AFNs in urban areas and to create more sustainable and shortened FSCs. Also, it is obvious that cities with greater extended AFNs, for example, Rome, due to its great number of AFIs and geographical extent of AFN covering concentrated urban areas and to strengthen the rural–urban linkage for shortened food supply chains, as well as extended urban areas, and Oslo, due to its great variety of AFIs embedded in concentrated urban areas with alternative food production areas in its (erstwhile rural areas) extended urban areas. Full article

Aggregate area expansion is one of the important productivity impacts of agricultural mechanization. This study aims to explore potential new paths to aggregate area expansion through new forms of agricultural mechanization and estimate the relevant effects. Targeting the rapidly developing machinery rice transplanting (MRT) and the attendant centralized rice seedling cultivation (CRSC) in rural China, this article identifies a fresh path for the adoption of machinery technology to increase aggregate crop cultivation area. By analyzing two typical cases from Jiangxi Province, we unmask the mechanism through which MRT and CRSC promote aggregate area. The results indicate that, compared with the traditional method, CRSC makes technological progress in various aspects and significantly improves the supply efficiency of seedlings and the space utilization efficiency of seedling fields. This, in turn, reduces the required seedling area per unit of paddy field and thus substitutes a lot of traditional seedling fields with few modern ones. Under the rotation cropping system, CRSC releases the farming time of the potential previous crops in the saved traditional seedling fields and then increases cropping intensity and aggregate area. In the micro case, the substitution of the traditional method with CRSC can save 0.04 hectares of seedling field by serving 1 hectare of paddy field. The macro simulation results show that CRSC can, at most, increase aggregate crop cultivation area by 1.95 million hectares nationwide, and this is equivalent to an increase of 6.21 million tons of grain and 1.86 million tons of rapeseed. Full article

China’s rural population flowing into highly urbanized areas has led to the spatial reconstruction of urban–rural land use. Exploring the laws and trends of urban–rural land use in highly urbanized areas is of great significance in promoting rural transformation. This paper takes the southern Jiangsu region as a research area and uses a system dynamics (SD) model to simulate the demand for different land types based on economic, social, policy, and environmental (ESPE) factors. Future land use simulation (FLUS) is used to simulate the spatial evolution trend of urban–rural land use based on point–axis elements. The results show that the agricultural production space is severely squeezed by the urban living space. Under the scenario of rapid expansion, the decrease in arable land quantity and the demand area for rural residential areas are the largest. Under the scenario of high-quality development, the decrease in arable land area and the demand for land in rural residential areas are lowest. Based on the spatial simulation, it is reported that the areas with more intense land use spatial reconstruction in the three scenarios are mainly concentrated in the region’s urban–rural border areas. The future evolution of urban–rural land is summarized into three models: (1) single-center-driving expansion, (2) patchy expansion near the city center, and (3) multi-center-driving expansion. This paper proposes targeted policy recommendations to provide a scientific reference for solving the conflict between urban and rural land use. Full article

The long-term interplay between rural handicraft industries and village development has resulted in imbalances such as the disorder of living spaces, misalignment of production spaces, and ecological space disruptions. Comprehensively analyzing village landscape elements and actively maintaining their coordinated development are the keys to the transformation of handicraft villages. This study firstly introduces the theory of landscape genes and the concept of “Production–Living–Ecology Spaces” (PLESs) and then constructs the identification system of PLES landscape genes. The system starts from the three dimensions of the production, life, and ecology spaces of the village, identifies the landscape elements that have been passed down from generation to generation, and realizes a comprehensive interpretation of the landscape elements of handicraft villages. Using YaoTou Village in Shaanxi Province as a case study, this study illustrates its landscape characteristics, based on the genetic form of PLES landscape genes, using the G1-FCE method to collect evaluation data from both tourists and residents. These data help to identify the genetic status of the PLES landscape genes of YaoTou Village and propose targeted inheritance mechanisms. The results enable the comprehensive identification of production, ecological, and living landscape elements in handicraft villages, evaluating their inheritance status to carry out targeted modern innovative transformation. This study will provide a reference for identifying and preserving the landscape elements of YaoTou Village and more handicraft villages and contribute to rural revitalization. Full article

With the continuous advancement of urbanization, rural areas are facing increasingly severe environmental pollution, excessive energy consumption, and high carbonization resulting from both daily living and production activities. This study, which is aligned with the low-carbon objectives of “carbon sequestration increase and emissions reduction”, explores the optimization strategies for ecological benefits through the combined application of rooftop photovoltaics and rooftop greening in rural residences. Three design approaches are proposed for integrating rooftop photovoltaics with green roofing: singular arrangement, distributed arrangement, and combined arrangement. Using PVsyst (7.4.7) software, this study simulates the effects of roof inclination, system output, and installation formats on the performance of photovoltaic systems, providing a comprehensive analysis of carbon reduction benefits in ecological rooftop construction. A rural area in East China was selected as a sample for adaptive exploration of ecological roof applications. The results of our research indicate that the optimal tilt angle for rooftop photovoltaic (PV) installations in the sample rural area is 17°. Based on simulations combining the region’s annual solar path and the solar parameters on the winter solstice, the minimum spacing for PV arrays is calculated to be 1.925 m. The carbon reduction benefits of the three arrangement methods are ranked, from highest to lowest, as follows: combined arrangement $14530.470{\mathrm{t}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{e}}$ > singular arrangement $11950.761{\mathrm{t}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{e}}$ > distributed arrangement $7444.819{\mathrm{t}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_{2\mathrm{e}}$. The integrated design of rooftop PV systems and green roofing not only meets the energy demands of buildings but also significantly reduces their carbon footprint, achieving the dual objectives of energy conservation and sustainable development. Therefore, the combined application of rooftop PV systems and green roofing in rural spaces can provide data support and strategic guidance for advancing green transformation and ecological civilization in East China, offering significant practical value for promoting low-carbon rural development. Full article

Since the introduction of the rural revitalization strategy by the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2017, there have been significant transformations in the production–living–ecological space (PLES) within villages. Evaluating and enhancing villages’ PLES are crucial for fostering sustainable development. Therefore, this study utilized a multi-scale environmental assessment model and mathematical approach to conduct horizontal and vertical nested correlation analyses of indicators at different levels through a path analysis, a Spearman correlation analysis, a variance analysis, the entropy weight method, data simulation, and other methods to establish a “three-dimensional” comprehensive evaluation system for traditional village PLES. The findings indicate the following: (1) The ecological space of traditional villages in Tibet significantly impacts the overall environment of the PLES, with the components’ impact ranked as follows: ecological space > production space > living space. Furthermore, industry and tourism resources show a significant positive correlation with traditional villages’ PLES; (2) There are no significant differences in natural environmental factors, such as air relative humidity, temperature, humidity index, and wind efficiency index among traditional villages in neighboring cities in Tibet. However, they all possess profound ecological and cultural heritage; (3) There are notable disparities in living space between traditional villages in Lhasa and Nyingchi, indicating unbalanced development. It is evident that traditional village construction should not only focus on the development of certain PLES but also pay attention to the balanced development of the overall spatial environment. This study holds great significance for enhancing the living environment of traditional villages in Tibet and promoting sustainable development through protection efforts in these villages. Full article

Rural communities can be conceptualized as spatial organisms interconnected by optimized resource utilization systems. Investigating the efficient utilization of rural resources and spatial construction methods grounded in resource metabolism is a pivotal step toward achieving the ecological transformation of rural spaces. This paper examined rural settlements in the Shandong Plain as a case study, exploring the relationships among three scales: village, neighborhoods, and courtyards. This analysis was based on elucidating the interaction mechanisms between “space and resource” and the integration of key resources and spatial elements. From the perspective of resource circulation and metabolism, this study aimed to elucidate the equilibrium of each resource element within three resource metabolism subsystems: the agricultural production system (core element), the ecological technology system (technological link), and the human life system (spatial carrier) in Shandong Plain’s villages, considering general climatic conditions. To achieve this, this research utilized the resource production volume, the utilization and transformation volume of resource metabolism technology facilities per unit area, and the average per capita resource consumption as fundamental measurement units. The concept of a rationing relationship is introduced to clarify resource allocation. Combining the aforementioned research on spatial resource metabolism in ecological villages in Shandong Province with the material flow analysis method, this study constructed a bottom–up spatial model of resource metabolism at three scales, courtyards, neighborhoods, and villages, under various resource metabolism scenarios. This study is anticipated to significantly contribute to the theoretical understanding of rural habitat environments, offering novel methods and perspectives for constructing ecological rural settlements. Full article

Realizing the multifunctional value of farmland is essential for regulating the pricing of farmland transfers and stabilizing the rural land market. However, in China, the mismatch between supply and demand leads to improper resource allocation, weakens the explicit value of farmland, and causes unreasonable transfer pricing mechanisms that threaten agricultural production and food security. This study develops an analytical framework to examine the relationship between farmland multifunction and transfer pricing from a supply–demand perspective. An evaluation index system is constructed, considering the physical, value, and material quantities. This study uses the matching index method and bivariate spatial autocorrelation to analyze the supply–demand match of farmland multifunction from 2014 to 2021 and its relationship with transfer prices. Additionally, management methods and strategies for dynamic zoning-based pricing under multifunctional matching trade-offs are proposed. The results show that: (1) There is significant heterogeneity in the supply and demand matching degree of different farmland functions in both space and time. The production and ecological functions of farmland are oversupplied, while the living functions are undersupplied. (2) Different spatial autocorrelation relationships exist between the degree of supply and demand matching of farmland functions and farmland transfer prices. Specifically, the supply and demand matching degrees of the production and living functions show a significant negative spatial correlation with farmland transfer prices. In contrast, the ecological function shows a significant positive spatial correlation with farmland transfer prices, which are continuously strengthening over time. (3) Based on the supply and demand matching situation of different farmland functions and the spatial autocorrelation of farmland transfer prices, nine types of regions are delineated for farmland functions. Among them, the surplus-coordinated development areas have the most cities, accounting for about 40%, with a wide distribution range. This study proposes zoning-based pricing instruments and management strategies. This research provides valuable insights for developing countries seeking to alleviate conflicts in multifunctional land use, enhance the sustainable protection of land resources, and improve land resource assessment frameworks. Full article

As a pivotal component of rural revitalization, effective management of rural courtyard spaces is crucial for improving environmental quality and economic development. Utilizing the 2023 “Most Beautiful Courtyard” design competition in Guangze County as a backdrop, this study investigates the specific circumstances and practical challenges encountered during the courtyard transformation process. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this research establishes a unified indicator evaluation system; investigates the perspectives of villagers, designers, and managers; and conducts an in-depth analysis of the challenges faced in rural courtyard transformation practice. The goal is to offer substantial reference points for policy formulation and practical implementation, alongside recommendations for effective courtyard transformation. At the construction management level, the government should develop detailed operational guidelines for rural courtyard transformation, closely monitor construction progress, manage funds scientifically, and ensure efficient communication among the three groups. At the localization level, villagers’ daily production and life should be integrated with village cultural symbols, respecting and exploring localization factors. Adequate consideration of the ecological environment and climatic conditions is crucial to promoting the sustainable development of rural courtyards. Full article

Territorial spatial planning requires thoughtful consideration of the scientific layout and synergistic control of production, living, and ecological spaces (PLESs). However, research in this field often neglects the human perspective and fails to account for people’s demands and behavioral characteristics. This study evaluates the level and spatial characteristics of residents’ production, living, and ecological behavioral (PLEB) flow, as well as the spatial pattern of the PLES functions, within the framework of the human–land coupling system. Therefore, to analyze the behavior–space coupling coordination relationship, the coupling coordination model is applied. The results indicate that the overall level of residents’ PLEB flow in rural–urban fringe areas is at a lower middle level and the functionality of the PLES is at a medium level, with a spatial distribution pattern of high in the northern and low in the southern areas. Most of the behavior–space matching types are in a state of mismatch between supply and demand. Meanwhile, the PLEB–PLES coupling coordination relationship is generally unbalanced, which is particularly noticeable in the production space. Regardless of whether the behavior–space matching type is a supply deficit or a supply surplus, the mismatch between supply and demand leads to uncoordinated and unreasonable spatial utilization. Overall, the findings of the study provide guidance for future research endeavors about PLESs and suggest embracing a human-centered scientific paradigm. Such a paradigm can promote high-quality, sustainable development of territorial spatial planning while strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of spatial governance and control. Full article