Search

This study examines the dynamics of collaborative rural planning through an in-depth single case study of participatory land consolidation. It argues that while complete consensus might be considered a utopia, effective collaboration among stakeholders requires a certain degree of alignment in perspectives. By analyzing how stakeholders’ perspectives evolve, this study investigates how this convergence occurs. Furthermore, it explores how planning professionals try to promote convergence, focusing on a project manager’s approach and insights from a focus group. The findings emphasize the complexity of achieving joint understanding for fostering cooperative decision-making. The paper proposes clear process parameters to stimulate this convergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third version of the Regional Atmosphere and Land (RAL3) science configuration is documented. Developed through international partnership, RAL configurations define settings for the Unified Model atmosphere and Joint UK Land Environment Simulator when applied across timescales with kilometre and sub-km scale model grids. The RAL3 configuration represents a major advance compared to previous versions by delivering a common science definition suitable for application to tropical and mid-latitude regions. Developments within RAL3 include the introduction of a double-moment microphysics scheme and a bi-modal cloud scheme, replacing use of a single-moment scheme and different cloud schemes for mid-latitudes and tropics in previous versions. Updates have been implemented to the boundary layer scheme and a consolidation of land model settings to be more consistent with Global Atmosphere and Land (GAL) science configurations. Physics developments aimed to address priorities for model performance improvement identified by users. This paper documents the RAL3 science configuration, including a series of iterative revisions delivered since its first release, and their characteristics. Evidence is provided from the variety of assessments of RAL3, relative to the previous version (RAL2). Collaborative development and evaluation across organisations has enabled evaluation across a range of domains, grid-spacing and timescales. The analysis indicates more realistic precipitation distributions; improved representation of clouds and of visibility; a continued trend to more realistic representation of convection; and reduced near-surface wind speeds, but a persistent cold temperature bias. Overall the convective-scale verification scores and climatological model distributions relative to observations improve for the majority of variables. Ensemble results show improvements to the spread-error relationship. User feedback from subjective assessment activities has also been positive. Differences between RAL3 revisions and RAL2 are further illustrated through process-based analysis of a convective system over the UK. The latest RAL3 configuration (RAL3.3) is therefore recommended for research, operational numerical weather prediction and climate production at km and sub-km scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land consolidation is a crucial approach to addressing the conflicts between people and land, resolving land use issues, and promoting rural revitalization. The advancement of land consolidation engineering technology is essential for the protection of farmland, the promotion of industrial development, and the enhancement of the human settlement environment. This study analyzes 3,439 invention patents and 3,392 references related to land consolidation engineering. Using bibliometric and semantic analysis methods, it explores the subjects of research and development, identifies hotspots and trends, and anticipates future directions for research and development in land consolidation engineering. According to the Land Consolidation Blue Book: China Land Consolidation Development Research Report No. 4, China's land consolidation has undergone a transition from land consolidation 1.0 to land consolidation 4.0. During this period, the number of land consolidation patents issued in China increased year by year, showing an overall exponential growth trend. It has experienced slow, steady and rapid growth stages. As far as inventors and invention institutions are concerned, although there are influential scholars and institutions in land consolidation inventions, land consolidation patent inventions are still sporadic and scattered. The collaboration network of land consolidation patent inventors exhibits a distribution pattern characterized by primary concentration with secondary dispersion. Compared with enterprises, inventors from universities and research institutes cooperate more closely, but the scale of the cooperation network is smaller. In the process of land consolidation technology change, three major development paths have been formed: (1) Research and development of methods and equipment for implementation of soil consolidation: focusing on the invention of structural components and equipment directly related to engineering implementation; (2) Research and development of soil improvement technology: focusing on the remediation of contaminated soil (including soil passivation and soil stabilization), soil fertility improvement, desertification land management and, and saline-alkali soil improvement. The results of the patent research and development keyword timeline show that with the passage of time, the keywords of land consolidation engineering technology have shifted from single to multiple, and the research and development fields have expanded from land preparation methods and agricultural uses to windbreak and sand fixation, soil improvement and land consolidation machinery. The keywords related to land preparation methods, agricultural uses, and weathering prevention exhibit significant continuity and an extensive time span. In the land consolidation 1.0 and 2.0 stages, far-reaching keywords like land preparation methods, agricultural uses, and preventing weathering appeared; in the land consolidation 3.0 and 4.0 stages, the research and development fields of land consolidation patents have become more diverse, especially the research and development of new materials and reagents of soil improvement and windbreak and sand fixation. The co-occurrence results of keywords in the literature on land consolidation projects show that land reclamation is the topic of most focus in the literature on land consolidation projects. Ecological restoration and ecological environment, planning and design of land consolidation projects, evaluation and models have received attention in literature research but are rarely involved in the field of patent research and development. 3) In the future, ecological land consolidation, innovative multisource remote sensing intelligent monitoring for land consolidation, and project management of land consolidation are key areas and development directions that need to be focused on. This study can provide directions for the research and application of land consolidation engineering technologies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving agricultural energy inefficiency is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural development and promoting major agricultural countries to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. This paper analyzes agricultural energy inefficiency in China, using panel data from 30 provinces between 2000 and 2021. The by-production technology model is employed to measure and decompose inefficiency, and the simultaneous equations model and moderating effect model are utilized to study the impact mechanism of industrial agglomeration, land consolidation, and agricultural energy inefficiency. The findings reveal several key points: First, the average inefficiency of agricultural energy in China increased from 0.370 to 0.514, with economic inefficiency rising at a faster rate than environmental inefficiency. Second, agricultural industrial agglomeration serves to inhibit both agricultural energy economic inefficiency and environmental inefficiency, which, in turn, hampers the development of industrial agglomeration. This relationship shows heterogeneity across the eastern, central, and western regions, as well as between major and non-major grain production areas. Third, land consolidation—both nationally and specifically in the central, major grain-producing, and non-major grain-producing areas—effectively mitigates the deterioration of agricultural energy inefficiency caused by industrial agglomeration. In the eastern region, land consolidation can enhance the inhibitory effect of industrial agglomeration on energy inefficiency. This paper highlights the interconnections between industrial agglomeration, land consolidation, and agricultural energy inefficiency, providing valuable policy references for the development of sustainable agriculture and the proactive and steady advancement of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial "Advances in Land Consolidation and Land Ecology" discusses the importance of responsible land practices in maintaining ecosystem services and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. It highlights the evolution of land consolidation from an economic focus to a multifunctional approach that considers ecological restoration and cultural preservation. The document also explores topics such as green development, land abandonment, and ecological risk assessments, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges of land management effectively. The research presented in the editorial provides valuable insights for policymakers and researchers seeking to balance economic development with environmental sustainability through land consolidation practices. [Extracted from the article]

Context: Agriculture relies on irrigation in many parts of the world, and the need for irrigation is increasing due to rising demands for agricultural products and climate change-induced alterations in rainfall patterns. However, irrigated agriculture has been found to damage ecosystems and threaten landscape sustainability. Objectives: Against this background, there has been a recent development towards large-scale irrigation in Spain. The aim of this study is to understand this development at the landscape level and its impact in the context of landscape sustainability. Methods: We focused on two study sites in Castilla y León using a mixed-methods approach. We studied driving forces, landscape changes, and sustainability outcomes through document analysis, interviews, and aerial photograph analysis. Results: The development of a landscape-level underground pipe network took place at one study site and is planned for the second study site. Interviewees perceived institutional and social driving forces as particularly influential and technological driving forces as less influential. Political and economic driving forces were often interlinked. The irrigation development tied to land consolidation led to landscape changes, such as the removal of trees and increases in field size. Thus, in terms of environmental sustainability, trade-offs were found, while social sustainability outcomes were mainly positive. The impact on farmers’ economic security varied. Conclusions: For further landscape-level irrigation developments, we recommend integrating preserving seminatural habitats and the structural diversity of the agricultural landscape in planning processes. We also recommend a shift towards more water efficient crops, evapotranspiration management, and a new funding scheme for farmers to offset rising electricity costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why are some countries able to go ahead with comprehensive top-down local government amalgamation reforms, despite the many challenges such a reform entails? So far, we have limited theoretical and empirical understanding of how central governments manage to adopt such reforms. Drawing on different theoretical frameworks around public policy as well as research into territorial reforms, this article presents key political and institutional factors that are likely to facilitate top-down municipal mergers and examines whether these theoretical propositions help to explain the adoption of comprehensive top-down municipal amalgamation in four cases: Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, and Portugal. Key political and institutional factors identified in existing frameworks provide a useful starting point for understanding and explaining top-down comprehensive municipal amalgamation reforms, such as the role played by the breaking up of existing policy monopolies and emergence of new venues for discussing the reform. At the same time, the cases also reveal some important nuances that at times run counter to theoretical expectations. Our cases also reveal further factors, including the "bundling" of amalgamation reforms with other wider initiatives, and the potential effect of "distracting events" that should be taken into account in the further development of theoretical frameworks concerning top-down amalgamations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using provincial panel data from 31 provinces in China's mainland regions from 2000 to 2020, this study calculates the provincial agricultural diesel technical efficiency based on the Data Envelopment Analysis Slack-Based Measure (DEASBM) model and the average agricultural diesel consumption per hectare for full mechanization. It constructs indicators to measure the level of farmland suitability for agricultural machinery operations (FSAM), analyzes the impact of FSAM on agricultural diesel technical efficiency using a fixed-effects model, and explores the specific mechanisms through which FSAM influences agricultural diesel technical efficiency using a mediation effect model. The research conclusions are as follows: 1) In general, provinces with lower levels of FSAM tend to have lower levels of agricultural mechanization and higher average agricultural diesel consumption per hectare for full mechanization, and vice versa. 2) Due to the continuous iteration and upgrading of agricultural machinery and the ongoing promotion of high standard farmland construction work, China's agricultural diesel technical efficiency has shown an upward trend from 2000 to 2020, with significant growth achieved after 2017, averaging an annual increase of 8.26% from 2017 to 2020, far exceeding the 1.78% increase from 2000 to 2016. 3) If the level of FSAM is improved from 0 to 1, it would enable an additional 10.06 hectares of farmland to be fully mechanized per ton of agricultural diesel, indicating a direct effect of 10.06 hm²/t on the enhancement of agricultural diesel technical efficiency. However, the upsizing of agricultural machinery equipment driven by higher FSAM levels increases the complexity of operations and the weight of machinery, leading to increased agricultural diesel consumption and reduced agricultural diesel technical efficiency, creating a masking effect. Consequently, the total effect of enhancing FSAM from 0 to 1 decrease from 10.06 hm²/t to 6.75 hm²/t. Based on these findings, the following policy recommendations are proposed: 1) Actively promote the transformation of farmland to enhance its suitability for agricultural machinery operations. As larger farmland plots with smaller slopes and better accessibility for tractor roads are more conducive to agricultural machinery operations, leading to higher agricultural diesel technical efficiency during operations and field transfers, efforts should be intensified to transform farmland to enhance its suitability. Current high-standard farmland construction focuses more on "ensuring harvests despite droughts and floods" while neglecting the adaptability of farmland to agricultural machinery operations, hindering the improvement of agricultural diesel technical efficiency. Therefore, in the construction of high-standard farmland, land consolidation measures such as "merging small plots into larger ones, transforming short plots into long plots, and reducing the slope of the land with high gradient" should be strengthened to facilitate efficient agricultural machinery operations and movements, thereby promoting the enhancement of agricultural diesel technical efficiency. 2) Develop lightweight agricultural machinery technologies. This study indicates that the large-scale power structure of agricultural machinery and equipment has a masking effect on the improvement of agricultural diesel technical efficiency by enhancing FSAM, impeding further improvements. The primary reason is that while agricultural machinery with high horsepower offers higher operational efficiency, the majority of these machines are constructed from steel. Consequently, the heavier the machinery, the greater its horsepower, leading to increased agricultural diesel consumption. It is advisable to minimize the overall weight of agricultural machinery while ensuring strength, safety, and operational effectiveness to reduce agricultural diesel consumption and carbon emissions. 3) Continuously develop green agricultural machinery equipment and technologies. Research and development investments in new energy agricultural machinery and biodiesel-powered agricultural machinery should be increased, and mature green agricultural machinery equipment and technologies should be promoted. Agricultural machinery purchase subsidy policies should appropriately favor these equipment and technologies to accelerate the pace of energy substitution and gradually resolve the conflict between agricultural mechanization development and the "dual carbon" targets at the root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional agricultural land consolidation and ecological restoration measures can address the challenges faced by agricultural land in the short term, but they often overlook the ecological benefits of the land and human well-being. Here, while emphasizing foreseeable project outcomes, we define a conceptual framework of Agricultural Land Consolidation and Ecological Restoration through Nature-based Solutions (ALC&ER-NbS) from three dimensions: ecological sustainability, economic viability, and human well-being, integrating the NbS concept with engineering project evaluation. Our study establishes 8 guidelines and 27 indicators, including scientific restoration, ecological connectivity, biodiversity enrichment, economic feasibility, public participation, benefit coordination, dynamic monitoring, and the promotion of successful cases. This results in an evaluation checklist covering 63 engineering and management details throughout the entire project design life cycle. By using a self-assessment tool for quantifying compatibility, the aim is to quickly verify the project's degree of adaptation. This study is significant as it introduces a comprehensive evaluation system that not only addresses ecological and economic challenges but also prioritizes human well-being, distinguishing it from previous research. The innovative integration of NbS into agricultural land consolidation ensures sustainable development and offers a new approach for enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sheds light on the broader impacts of high-value commodity crops in the tropics by examining critically the rapid expansion of Hass avocado plantations (HAP). Using Salamina as a case study, this paper provides empirical evidence of local impacts and highlights the need for more sustainable and equitable governance strategies to manage emerging socio-economic and environmental challenges. HAP are transforming Salamina’s traditional landscape by seizing considerable areas for avocado cultivation in response to the ongoing coffee sector crisis. Since 2018, the region has transitioned from a coffee-centered economy to one dominated by capital- and labor-intensive avocado production. While HAP has become a significant economic driver, it has also exacerbated social grievances and inequalities among local communities. This paper stresses the economic shift, environmental disturbances, and comments on governance policies for inadequately addressing sustainability and social issues.

[Objective] Land consolidation has become an important component of national agricultural policies, and a thorough evaluation of its impact on farmland large-scale management is both practically and theoretically significant. [Methods] Based on the policy context of “consolidating small plots into a large field” (CSPLF), this study took the exogenous shock in Yangshan County, Guangdong Province as an observation window, and used data from a quasi-natural experiment and the generalized difference-in-differences model to identify its impact on farmland large-scale management from three dimensions: plot scale, operating scale, and continuous planting scale. [Results] The results indicate that the expansion effect of CSPLF policy on plot scale is significant, with an increase of 12% in the plot area and a 28.8% drop in the number of plots. The CSPLF policy motivates farmers to rent out land to new agricultural operating entities, changing the pattern of “small-scale farmers replications”, and achieving large-scale operating management. It also increases the possibility of farmers growing similar crops on adjacent plots, thus achieving continuous planting scale. Further analysis shows that the farmland large-scale management stimulated by the CSPLF policy can deepen the division of household labor, especially in non-agricultural employment. [Conclusion] The findings of this study demonstrate that CSPLF policy plays an important role in the transformation of China’s farmland large-scale management mode, which has far-reaching strategic implications. The study highlights that we need to change the engineering trend in the implementation of CSPLF policy of the past, and attach great importance to land tenure rights adjustment.

This paper evaluates the effect on livestock production and rural population of the land consolidation (LC) processes that occurred over recent decades in Asturias, an autonomous region located in north‐west Spain. We use a novel Difference‐in‐Difference (DiD) model which allows for multiple LCs at different points in time and for spatial spill‐overs. As many parishes have been involved in two or more LC processes, we test whether we can simplify our analysis using a specification for these parishes that accumulates the effect of consecutive, and often distant, LC processes. We find that this simplification can be implemented when we analyse the effect of the LC processes on parishes' livestock production, but not when we examine their effects on parish population. We find that parish livestock production increases on average by about 3% once we take into account spatial effects, and that LC processes have especially attenuated the decline in the number of farms in (coastal) parishes where dairy farms predominate. We do not find strong evidence regarding the effectiveness of LC processes in redressing rural depopulation, except in some of the parishes located in western Asturias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land consolidation projects are fundamental tools that enable the reorganization of agricultural space to enhance agricultural productivity and improve quality of life in rural areas. However, the high costs associated with such projects necessitate ongoing refinement of their technical aspects, including cost reduction and shortened implementation time while maintaining the required accuracy parameters. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of digital orthomosaic creation obtained using UAVs from the perspective of the implementation of land consolidation projects. The research area is located in southern Poland (Przeginia village), and the data used for the study were obtained during the ongoing land consolidation project. The processing of the resulting images was performed with Structure from Motion algorithms using 103 adjustment points with known coordinates. An analysis performed using a set of 87 control points showed an average error in the position of points on a surface of 0.08 m in relation to control results carried out using the GNSS RTK technique. The observed maximum error value was 0.29 m. The analysis of the causes of the high value of observed errors indicates that they were the result of an incorrectly planned, too low number of control points and their uneven distribution across the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses the perspective of state entrepreneurialism to explore China's environmental governance. The perspective illustrates how the Chinese state maintains its centrality, combining environmentalism and developmentalism while deploying flexible market development tools. This paper examines the Chengdu park-city model, an exemplar President Xi Jinping endorsed and widely emulated in China. The model combines the development of industrial and ecological spaces. It aims to deliver the central government's vision for ecological civilisation and the local government's economic development strategy. The development tools include land consolidation, financial mobilisation and an economic strategy that attempts to introduce 'urban scenes' into ecological spaces. This ecologically oriented development approach is more state-centred, contrasting with the neoliberal green growth machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land consolidation has become an organized and widely implemented project in rural areas. However, research remains somewhat scarce on the contributing mechanism of land consolidation to farmer income in developing countries. Using provincial panel data from China, this study employs a fixed effects model to analyze the influence of high-standard farmland construction on farmer income and underlying mechanisms. Results suggest that the implementation of high-standard farmland construction can significantly augment farmer income. Reduction in agricultural production cost, improvement in agricultural management benefit and increase in non-farm income have led to the boost in income. The relationship between income and high-standard farmland construction exhibits regional disparities, with the most significant impacts concentrated in economically developed areas and low relief degree areas. Our findings suggest that it is imperative for the Chinese government to persistently promote the establishment of high-standard farmland, and further enhance its positive influence on advancing agricultural cost-effectiveness and expanding non-farm income channels for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Loess Plateau is an important region for soil and water conservation and ecological construction in China. Exploring the spatio-temporal variations in soil conservation and water conservation services and their relationships in Loess Plateau under the background of land consolidation projects is of great significance for ecological protection and quality development in the Yellow River Basin. Taking Yan'an city as the research area, this paper used the InVEST model to quantitatively evaluated spatio-temporal variation characteristics and trade-off/synergy relationship of the soil conservation and water conservation services from 2010 to 2018. According to the implementation data, the relationship between the gully control and land consolidation (GCLC) project in various counties of Yan'an city and soil conservation and water conservation service was analyzed. The results showed that the total amount of soil conservation services in Yan'an City were 4.07 x 106 t and 3.75 x 106 t in 2010 and 2018 with a decrease of 7.76%, and with low spatial clustering characteristic. The total amount of water conservation services were 2.01 x 1010 mm and 2.03 x 1010 mm in 2010 and 2018 with a increase of 0.56%, and with high spatial clustering characteristic. There is a synergistic relationship between soil conservation and water conservation services in most area of Yan'an city. From 2010 to 2018, the effect of the GCLC projects on soil conservation and water conservation services in Yan'an city is not significant. The GCLC project can effectively alleviate the situation of sharp decline of cultivated land area and insufficient food production capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate the economic and environmental impacts of a land consolidation program that leaves changes in the right to lands to be driven by the market on the performance of rice farms in Vietnam. We also investigate the effects of contract farming, which is associated with the land consolidation program, on farms' environmental performance. Using data from the 2014 and 2016 Vietnam Household Living Standards Surveys and the 2016 Agricultural Census, we found that the program enhances agricultural productivity, but environmental sustainability comes at the cost of rice incomes for households. We suggest that while this land consolidation can be a useful measure to promote land consolidation for productivity enhancement, adequate tools need to be designed to accompany land consolidation strategies for environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of land consolidation projects on land value were examined and these effects were evaluated with their positive and negative aspects. Land consolidation is an important rural planning strategy that includes objectives such as increasing agricultural productivity, regulating water management and improving infrastructure in rural areas. However, the effects of this strategy on land value are complex and diverse. In addition to the positive effects of the projects, the study also discussed their negative effects such as social inequality, ecosystem changes, water resource imbalances and loss of cultural heritage. The research evaluated the effect of land consolidation on land value in a selected area and determined that land values in the region increased after consolidation. Recommendations were made to mitigate the the negative effects of land consolidation, such as participatory planning processes, environmental impact assessments and the implementation of long-term sustainability strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of South Architecture / Nanfang Jianzhu is the property of South Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Groundwater resources are essential for sustaining ecosystems and human activities, especially under the pressures of climate change. This study employed Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to assess the impact of Gully Land Consolidation (GLC) engineering on the groundwater hydrological field of small watersheds in the China Loess Plateau (CLP). Results revealed ample subsurface water storage in backfilled areas, primarily migrating along the original river path owing to topographical limitations. Although the distribution patterns of soil moisture in each backfilling block varied slightly, the boundaries of soil moisture content and variation mainly appeared at depths of 8 m and 20 m underground. Significant moisture variation occurred across the 0–20 m underground layers, suggesting the 8–20 m layer could function as a groundwater collection zone in the study area. Human activities could disturb groundwater, altering migration pathways from the original river path. An optimized "Drainage–Conveyance–Barrier" system is proposed to enhance GLC sustainability, involving upstream groundwater level control, midstream soil moisture management, and downstream hydrological connectivity improvement. These findings carry substantial implications for guiding the planning and execution of GLC engineering initiatives. The novelty of this study lies in its application of ERT to provide a detailed spatial and temporal understanding of soil moisture dynamics in the GLC areas. Future research should focus on factors such as soil types and topographical changes for a comprehensive assessment of GLC's impact on small watershed groundwater hydrology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Village development areas define specific areas, usually located in rural areas, where planned growth and expansion is targeted. This concept is used to prevent uncontrolled construction, sustainable growth of villages and expansion of settlements in a planned manner. Village development areas, which are usually planned within the framework of strategies and zoning practices determined by local governments and planning institutions, focus on factors such as the protection of agricultural land, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development and meeting housing needs. Village development areas and zoning practices carried out on public lands aim to create planned rural settlements by reducing the construction pressure on agricultural lands. These plans encourage the organic growth of settlements in rural areas while at the same time protecting agricultural land. Village development areas and zoning applications for these areas aim to ensure the expansion of villages in accordance with population growth, economic development and various needs. In this study, the planning of the allocation of the public land, which is not suitable for agriculture, with the number 103 block 12 parcel number, located in Deliktaş village in Baskil district of Elazığ province, to the village people living in the region was made It is considered that village development area allocation will contribute significantly to the development of rural communities by providing a range of benefits such as sustainable settlement, protection of agricultural lands, fulfilment of housing needs, economic development, access to social services and protection of natural resources. More widespread adoption of the village development area practice across Turkey will significantly support the sustainable protection of agricultural land in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional small‐holder agricultural landscapes in southern China are being consolidated to increase mechanisation levels in agriculture, but it is unclear how this influences rice arthropod communities in these landscapes.Here, based on a six‐year study in 20 rice fields, we evaluated the impact of land consolidation on arthropod communities, crop damage, and rice yield. We also analysed how effects of land consolidation were moderated by the proportion of large semi‐natural habitat patches and insecticide use.We found that, compared to consolidated fields, rice fields in traditional farmlands had a higher abundance and family richness of natural enemies, but a similar abundance of rice pests. Land consolidation did not significantly interact with the proportion of large semi‐natural habitat patches or insecticide application, in terms of affecting arthropods. The proportion of semi‐natural habitat reduced the negative effect of insecticide application on key rice pests, but no equivalent interaction occurred for natural enemies.Synthesis and applications: Land consolidation can have negative impacts on the abundance and richness of natural enemies, but not pests in small‐holder rice systems, and these impacts are independent from insecticide application and proportion of semi‐natural habitat in the landscape. We recommend the implementation of agri‐environmental measures or re‐establishing field margin vegetation during the consolidation process to mitigate these potential negative effects, although trade‐off between enhancing crop yields and preserving rice arthropod biodiversity should be considered. We encourage future research to focus on the detailed assessment of the function of linear habitats for a better understanding of the impact of land consolidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land consolidation projects (LCP) has been applied in various countries to decrease land fragmentation, to give field road and to create more appropriate regular parcel shapes besides many benefits to farmers. Moreover, LCP help to decrease the cost of irrigation system establishment. Türkiye aims to modernize open irrigation systems into pressurized systems with LCPs to save water due to climate change and global warming. However, previously published studies on the effect of LCP on designing pressurized irrigation network are not adequate. In this study, Eymir Village LCP in Türkiye was chosen as the material to investigate how can LCP affect the cost of the establishment of a pressurized irrigation system. In this context, two similation of irrigation systems are designed with help of geographic information systems (GIS) and are analyzed by COPAM (Combined Optimization and Performance Analysis Model) to optimize the hydraulic performance. Results show that land consolidation proved to be an effective tool to solve spatial problems related to improving the irrigation systems, technical problems related to the performance of the networks, and the equity of services (guaranteeing 98% satisfaction of users). And, it has the most important effect on the economic feasibility of pressurized irrigation network establishment whose cost can be decreased by 13.6% by LCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global population is leading to a decline in cropland per person, aggravating food security challenges. The global implementation of land consolidation (LC) has created new farmland and increased productivity. LC is a critical strategy in China for ensuring food security and gaining significant government support. This article investigates the impact of LC on farmland productivity in Sichuan Province in 2020. We utilize time series remote sensing data to analyze LC's impact on farmland capacity. This study uses Sentinel and Landsat satellite data to calculate CumVI and assesses the LC project's spatiotemporal evolution. To evaluate LC's effectiveness, we create indexes for yield level and stability and employ Getis-Ord Gi* to identify spatial differentiation in LC's impact. GeoDetector and GWR examine the impact of natural factors like elevation, slope, soil organic carbon, and rainfall on the effectiveness of LC. The research results show that: (1) After the implementation of LC, 55.51% of the project areas experienced significant improvements in agricultural productivity; the average increase rate of yield level is 7.74%; and the average increase rate of yield stability is 12.40%. Overall, LC is significant for improving farmland capacity. (2) The effectiveness of LC exhibits spatial differences and correlations in different areas. The main location for high-value agglomeration of yield levels is Nanchong City, while the northern part of Guangyuan City primarily hosts low-value agglomeration areas. (3) Natural conditions influence LC's effectiveness. In terms of affecting the yield level of LC, the driving factors from high to low are SOC, elevation, slope, and rainfall. In terms of affecting the yield stability of LC, the driving factors, from high to low, are elevation, SOC, slope, and rainfall. LC's effectiveness is influenced by different natural conditions that have different effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the frequency of protein-rich food consumption among impoverished rural households in Rwanda. Data from the Rwanda Institute of Statistics, gathered nationally from a random sample of 9,709 households in 2018, was utilized for a comprehensive analysis of the food security and vulnerability survey. Given the dependent variable’s nature, a diverse econometric approach was employed to identify the factors influencing the weekly consumption of key protein-rich foods (milk, meat, and beans) in Rwandan families. An instrumental variable technique was applied to assess the impact of a unified land use policy on the consumption of protein-rich foods in Rwandan households, considering the lack of a direct relationship with welfare outcomes in theory. The results indicate that land consolidation significantly influences the consumption of meat and pulses. Additionally, cattle ownership has a notable impact on milk and pulse intake. In light of these findings, we recommend that the government and development partners enhance support for farmers, particularly by providing subsidized farm inputs and increasing the distribution of cattle to eligible low-income households.

This study examined land use land cover change and its determinants in Tigray, Ethiopia and its livelihood zones. We used socioeconomic panel, and satellite data, and applied a mixed-effects model to analyse the factors influencing land allocation among different uses, and transition matrix to analyse land cover dynamics. The results revealed that; land use choices were influenced by plot level factors (such as plot elevation, distance, soil type and quality, and land tenure), household characteristics (such as education, dependency ratio, plot size and number owned, income, livestock and asset, perception of climate change, and access to market and main road), and community level factors (precipitation, product price, population density and livelihood zone variations). Transition matrix analysis showed that between 1986 and 2016, 12.8% of forest was converted to bare land, 6.26% bare land was converted to pasture, and 5.84% of cropland was converted to forest. However, net deforestation occurred in most of the livelihood zones. Therefore, local communities faced environmental and socio-economic challenges from capital constraints induced land fallowing, land fragmentation, and unmanaged land cover change. The study recommended sustainable land use planning and management, market linkages, improved access to roads, forestry subsidies, land tenure security, and land consolidation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between farm size expansion and efficiency is a key topic in agricultural economics, especially for achieving sustainable land use and food security. While existing literature focuses on land productivity, technical efficiency, and total factor productivity, the link between farm size and cost efficiency remains less explored. Cost efficiency is a critical indicator of production effectiveness and directly impacts agricultural sustainability and food security. This paper analyzes how farm size expansion affects the cost efficiency of Chinese rapeseed production, with a particular emphasis on sustainable agricultural production and food security. Our findings indicate an average cost efficiency of 0.740 for rapeseed in China, suggesting potential for improvement. We observe an inverted U-shaped relationship between farm size and rapeseed cost efficiency, with variations based on regional and topographic conditions. Optimal rapeseed farm size is between 10 and 30 mu in eastern and central China, and smaller than 10 mu in western China. Interestingly, in central China and plains regions, larger farm sizes have a less negative impact on cost efficiency. Finally, increasing plot size positively moderates the relationship between farm size and rapeseed cost efficiency, suggesting benefits from expanding both plot and farm sizes simultaneously. These findings provide empirical evidence to inform policy decisions related to sustainable land use, cost-efficient agriculture, and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Engaging in contract farming represents a crucial avenue for developing countries to integrate small farmers into modern agricultural practices. Existing research believes that contract farming offers a promising opportunity for fostering sustainable agricultural development. However, insufficient attention has been directed toward investigating the varying impacts of different organizational models within contract farming on farmers' transition to green production practices. Methods: This study investigates the impact of contract farming on green technological efficiency of farmers using survey data from 719 wheat growers in Shandong Province, China. The propensity scorematchingmethod andmultiple mediation effects models are employed for empirical analysis. Results: The organizational model plays a pivotal role in determining whether participation in contract farming can improve the green technological efficiency of farmers. Participation in an integratedmodel demonstrates a significant effect on improving green technological efficiency, whereas participation in a quasi-integrated model does not show a significant improvement. Integrated contract farming can improve green technological efficiency through expanding the degree of land consolidation and enhancing the level of productive service, whereas quasi-integrated contract farming improves green technological efficiency only by enhancing production intensification. As an economic incentive measure, the effect of contract purchase price on strengthening the enhancement of green technological efficiency in the quasi-integrated model is moderate only when the contract purchase price exceeds the local average selling price of wheat by more than 19.3%. Conversely, the moderate effect of farmers' dividend income in the integratedmodel remains consistent, with higher dividend incomes correlating with a stronger moderating effect. Discussion: The impact of contract farming on green technology efficiency correlates significantly with the organizationalmodel. Compared with the quasi-integrated contract farming model, the integrated model distinctly excels in advancing farmers' green technology efficiency, evidenced by its ability to consolidate fragmented land, provide productive services, and offer economic incentives. Therefore, to unlock the latent potential of contract farming in driving agricultural green transformation, a shift toward organizational models with higher levels of integration is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, which presents a general evaluation of the land consolidation project carried out in 14 settlements in the Koçarlı district of Aydın province, the 'Aydın Koçarlı Plain 1st Part Land Consolidation Project', completed by the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Agriculture in 2016, was examined. For this purpose, the consolidation rate, parcel reduction index, deduction rate, and changes in parcel size and parcel number values of the consolidation project carried out in Orhaniye, Madrandere, Çakırbeyli, Boydere, Cincin, Çakmar, Halilbeyli, Koçarlı, Büyükdere, Şahinciler, Sobuca, Dedeköy, Tekeli, and Güdüşlü neighborhoods were investigated. In the project area, the average deduction rate was 7%, the consolidation rate was 31%, and the parcel reduction index was 1.46. As an overall evaluation of agricultural enterprises, the average parcel size increased from 1.76 ha to 2.57 ha, while the number of parcels decreased from 0.93 to 0.64. Land consolidation projects have a high potential to increase agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. Therefore, the results obtained from the study can contribute to the planning and implementation of similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance to study the the functional transmission of comprehensive land consolidation planning. This study can effectively connect the requirements of overall planning and upper planning, guide the lower planning and implementation of specific projects, promote the construction of ecological civilization, and Promote rural revitalization. This paper analyzes the realistic dilemma of function transmission in the comprehensive land consolidation planning, summarizes the association logic of the Land space function transmission and comprehensive land consolidation planning, proposes the transmission logic of establishing target function-space Demonstration Zone as an example for empirical research. The results of this paper show: Around the transmission logic of this article, Construct a “area-unit-plot” land comprehensive improvement function transmission system, it can effectively connect the requirements can provide experience for the preparation and implementation of comprehensive land consolidation planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Land Management / Türkiye Arazi Yönetimi Dergisi is the property of Mersin University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rapid urbanization in China has shifted the logic and needs of rural resource allocation, prompting a transformative approach toward rural revitalization and sustainable development through comprehensive land consolidation. This paper offers a theoretical framework for understanding the driven adjustments in rural power, capital, and social structures facilitated by comprehensive land consolidation. It discusses how the construction of pastoral complexes influences the diversification of rural land use and ecological restoration through dynamic adjustments in power structures. This study illustrates that in Guangzhou, comprehensive land consolidation is indispensable for ensuring food security and fostering diverse rural industries. Furthermore, it facilitates the resource and commercialization of land, balances governmental social responsibilities with rational capital pursuits, and enriches the livelihood structures of social entities to ensure rural social equity. The pastoral complex model achieves a harmonious integration of rural socio-economic and natural systems. Innovations in paths of social participation help eliminate the effects of social inequality within the environment, while the theory of political ecology clearly analyzes the internal reasons for the interaction and strategic plays among diverse actors under this model. The case studies of the pastoral complex present the practice of national–capital–land–social relationships and changes in land benefits, showcasing a Chinese approach to rural development and social justice. This provides a new perspective for political ecology research and enriches its empirical content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread adoption of large‐scale machines has led to a significant shift in terrace construction methods, transitioning from manual labor to mechanical processes. Mechanical terracing, by deeply disturbing the surface and compaction of the soil, has resulted in significant variations in both the soil physicochemical properties (SPCs) and soil infiltration properties (SIPs). However, few studies have been carried out to investigate the impact mechanisms of mechanical terracing on soils. In this study, we conducted detailed field experiments to determine the effects of mechanical terracing on SPCs and SIPs. The results showed that mechanical terracing increased soil compaction and decreased soil porosity and organic matter compared to manual terracing. Moreover, mechanical terracing had lower initial and steady infiltration rates than manual terracing (decreasing by 2.60% and 18.59%, respectively). However, initial and steady infiltration rates significantly improved compared to sloped land, increasing by 20.82% and 54.68%, respectively. The partial least squares path model indicated that bulk weight, organic matter content, and soil texture were the dominant influencing factors of SIPs. The results underscore the critical need to incorporate distinctions between various terrace construction methods into hydrological models for more accurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rice–crayfish co-culture system, a representative of Agri-aqua food systems, has emerged worldwide as an effective strategy for enhancing agricultural land use efficiency and boosting sustainability, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. Despite its widespread adoption in China's Jianghan Plain, the exact spatiotemporal dynamics and factors influencing this practice in this region are yet to be clarified. Therefore, understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics and influencing factors of the rice–crayfish fields (RCFs) is crucial for promoting the rice–crayfish co-culture system, and optimizing land use policies. In this study, we identified the spatial distribution of RCF using Sentinel-2 images and land use spatiotemporal data to analyze its spatiotemporal dynamics during the period of 2016–2020. Additionally, we used the Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression model to explore the key factors influencing RCF's spatiotemporal changes. Our findings reveal that (1). the RCF area in Jianghan Plain expanded from 1216.04 km2 to 2429.76 km2 between 2016 and 2020, marking a 99.81% increase. (2). RCF in Jianghan Plain evolved toward a more contiguous and clustered spatial pattern, suggesting a clear industrial agglomeration in this area. (3). The expansion of the RCFs was majorly influenced by its landscape and local agricultural conditions. Significantly, the Aggregation and Landscape Shape Indexes positively impacted this expansion, whereas proximity to rural areas and towns had a negative impact. This study provides a solid foundation for promoting the rice–crayfish co-culture system and sustainably developing related industries. To ensure the sustainable development of rice–crayfish co-culture industries in Jianghan Plain, we recommend that local governments optimize the spatial layout of rural settlements, improve transportation infrastructure, and enhance regional agricultural water sources and irrigation system construction, all in line with the national strategy of rural revitalization and village planning. Additionally, promoting the concentration and contiguity of RCF through land consolidation can achieve efficient development of these industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land consolidation can be considered as a rural revitalization project encompassing the aggregation of fragmented parcels, the creation of agricultural parcels suitable for farming, the organization of rural roads, and the establishment of irrigation and drainage systems, alongside the provision of sociocultural facilities. These evaluation methods can assist policymakers, land administrators, and decision-makers, especially considering the rapid progress of land consolidation projects in Türkiye, in improving these projects that require high costs and significant efforts. In the monitoring and evaluation of land consolidation projects, numerous researchers have developed methods. In land consolidation projects, among the project objectives are achieving the optimal parcel size due to the growth of enterprise and providing road services to all parcels. Research in the literature is still lacking in terms of evaluating the distances of parcels from the village centre and the densities of the rural roads constructed in land consolidation projects, in addition to the optimal parcel size. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) can be valuable in the evaluation of land consolidation projects, as GIS-generated maps not only aid in assessment but also provide easily understandable interpretations. The aim of this study is to examine road lengths before and after a land consolidation project, as well as the spatial changes of parcels, using geographic information systems. The cadastral data of Tatkınlık Village in Arguvan District of Malatya Province constitute the main material of the research. In line with this objective, geospatial analyses were conducted using Kernel Density and Line Density tools. The ArcMAP program's Model Builder Tool was employed to process the data obtained from NetCAD. As a result of the research, it was observed that road density increased in areas where parcel sizes decreased. The regions with the highest parcel and road density are situated around the village centre. In addition to the optimal size of agricultural operations, the distance to the village centre also affects fuel expenses. Therefore, the aggregation of small-scale parcels around the village centre can be considered one of the indicators of success for land consolidation projects. Density analyses can assist decision-makers in evaluating, interpreting, and determining priority land consolidation areas. Additionally, the indicators for road lengths developed in this study can be utilized in studies conducted on road lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural activities are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon emissions from agricultural land use (CEALU) have become a hot issue across the world. Although there are some studies on the impact of high-standard farmland construction policies on carbon emissions, they focus on quantitative analysis and do not give sufficient consideration to the relationship between HSFC and CEALU. Therefore, in this study, by relying on provincial panel data of China for the period 2005–2017, the effect of the high-standard basic farmland construction policy on carbon emissions from agricultural land use per unit area and its regional differences were quantitatively analyzed using the difference-in-difference (DID) model. The results showed that: (1) China's CEALU per unit area presented a fluctuating upward change, but the growth rate slowed down during the period 2005–2017, from 392.58 kg/ha to 457.72 kg/ha, with an average annual growth rate of 1.31%; (2) the high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) policy led a significant carbon emission reduction effect in agricultural land use and reduced the CEALU per unit area by 10.80% on average. With the promotion of this policy, its carbon emission reduction effect in agricultural land use presented an overall increasing change; (3) the carbon emission reduction effect of the high-standard farmland construction policy in agricultural land use was significant in central China, but non-significant in eastern China and western China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use is an embodiment of human socio-economic activities and represents a bridge between these activities and natural systems. Rural residential land represents a space for rural residents to reside in and exhibits spatial characteristics that evolve over time, which is proof of rural socio-economic development. As one of the most developed regions in China, cities along the Beijing–Hangzhou Canal experienced significant changes in rural residential land use from 1990 to 2020. This paper analyses the spatial differentiation of rural residential land in 21 cities on the Grand Canal. Then, it explores the driving factors of this land using spatial grid analysis and the geographic detector model. According to the spatial differentiation characteristics and the driving factors of rural residential land, the study proposed an improved potential model for rural residential land improvement. Lastly, it proposes three different forms of rural residential land based on the results. The study found that (1) the change in rural residential land in the northern part of the Grand Canal was more volatile than that in the southern part. The change in rural residential land from 1990 to 2020 conformed to the pattern of cultivated land–rural residential land–urban construction land. (2) Based on the driving factors of rural residential land, the land is divided into one-dimensional cities, two-dimensional cities, and three-dimensional cities. Circular, linear, and scattered cities of different sizes were affected by socio-economic factors, transportation accessibility, and the natural environment, respectively. (3) Based on the potential scale of rural residential land consolidation, different types of development strategies were proposed through research, including constructing large-scale villages, relocating and reconstructing new villages, and constructing high-quality villages, respectively. Enhancing the scientific planning of rural residential land and its efficiency and tapping into the potential of land consolidation can offer the protection of agricultural land and the integration of urban and rural areas in the new era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Resources & Ecology is the property of Journal of Resources & Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The issue of land plot boundary straightening in the course of land consolidation has been examined in the study. Over the course of buying out and swapping, adjacent land plots are being incorporated into one land tenure. However, the land plots are inconvenient for cultivation due to broken boundaries. Measures on the boundary straightening comply with the demands of landowners at voluntary land consolidation, when they are interested in the least possible alteration of the boundaries of the existing land plots. The study aims at the substantiation of the methodology for the straightening of land plot boundary with the help of the peer exchange of their parts. Preconditions for the formation of broken boundaries in the course of land consolidation have been scrutinized. Algorithms for land plot boundary straightening with the help of the exchange of the parts of peer land plots have been suggested. The calculation of typical cases of broken boundary straightening has been suggested. The boundary straightening methodology has been tested in a land mass in Kyiv Region, Ukraine. The results of the research can be used in the course of voluntary land consolidation, at the developing of preliminary land reallotment plan for agricultural and built-up land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of land consolidation works carried out in Cihanbeyli district to provide solutions to important structural problems in Turkey's agricultural enterprise structure. The aim of the research is to evaluate in detail the socioeconomic effects of the consolidation process on farmers' land holdings and number of parcels and the legal dimensions of the process. The study was carried out using multi-layered data sources such as land registry and cadastral records, court cases and field observations, as well as surveys conducted with 26 farmers in villages such as Damlakuyu, Karatepe, Sağlık, Ülerziktepe and Taşpınar in Cihanbeyli district. The research was supported by various statistical tests such as regression analyzes and Wilcoxon Sign Test using the SPSS version 25 statistical package program. Analyzes revealed that there is a significant relationship between factors such as education level, agricultural experience and number of tractors and changes in farmers' land holdings and number of parcels after land consolidation. Satisfaction levels were found to be closely related to the success of the land management and consolidation process, and it was also emphasized that cooperative membership and participation in agricultural training programs were effective in the success of this process. Findings highlight challenges and opportunities associated with land consolidation, including concerns about property rights, legal disputes, and infrastructure development. Despite some dissatisfaction among farmers, the research underscores the potential of consolidation in enhancing agricultural productivity and informing policy decisions for rural development strategies. The study provides valuable insights into the development of agricultural policies and rural development strategies and guide policy makers and practitioners for the effective management of consolidation processes. The research provides a scientific basis for future applications by illuminating the factors that will increase farmer satisfaction and the effectiveness of the consolidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article introduces the 8R framework of responsible land management, which evaluates land management projects based on eight aspects. However, it criticizes the framework for lacking practical procedures and empirical measures. The article suggests improving the framework through concept analysis and data compilation. It emphasizes the importance of trust in government and public institutions and proposes a framework that includes collecting observable artifacts to assess responsibility in land management projects. This framework aims to make assessments more concrete and practical. [Extracted from the article]

The scientific and reasonable division of geographical units of cultivated land reserve resource areas is an important foundation for comprehensive land consolidation (CLC). Saline–alkali land is an important cultivated land reserve resource, and is significant for ensuring food security. This paper constructs a two-level land consolidation index system for cultivated land reserve resource areas. The Kruskal graph theory clustering algorithm was used to divide the study area into four types of ecological zones. On the basis of ecological zones, the study area was further divided into three types of consolidation units. Finally, the spatial relationship between ecological zoning and land use types was clarified, and the classification distribution of land consolidation potential was determined through an analysis of the CLC of two-level geographical units. Da'an City, Jilin province, China, was selected as the study area. The results of this study show the following: (1) In Da'an City, the conservation priority areas are concentrated in the north, the development priority areas are concentrated in the central and southern areas, and the comprehensive upgrade areas and adjustment rebuilding areas are in the transition zones. (2) The CLC potential trend is low in the north but high in the south in Da'an City. This paper proposes a framework for a geographical unit delineation method for saline–alkali-enriched cultivated land reserve resource zones, and analyzes the spatial layout of ecological protection demands and land consolidation potential in Da'an City. The results and conclusions of this study will provide a reference for CLC in cultivated land reserve resource areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the application of the Balinese Tri Hita Karana concept in the context of land consolidation arrangements and environmental conservation of cultural heritage. The method which is used in this research is normative legal research by reflecting on the values contained in legal norms related to land consolidation in Bali using a statutory approach, a conceptual approach, a historical approach, and the case approach, then analyzed by descriptive analysis, evaluation, and argumentation techniques. The article analyses the legal and environmental implications of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy in Bali., emphasizing the importance of sustainable use of limited and non-renewable resources. The article argues that land consolidation arrangements should consider the Tri Hita Karana concept and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and environment environment. The report highlights the significance of the Tri Hita Karana philosophy in shaping Bali's legal and environmental landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of optimising the location of crops/plots in protected areas, national parks, farmland or forests involves trying to reconcile their proper functioning with nature conservation, the preservation of unique ecosystems or sustainable development. Such areas are crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and wildlife. This paper examines and discusses the impact of land consolidation in rural areas using GIS (Geographic Information System) tools. It performs a series of network analyses to determine the real distances (following the road network) and linear distances (rectilinear distances) between habitats and farmland. A tool was also developed to automate this process. The results obtained were visualised using map compositions, tables and graphs. The implemented project had a significant beneficial effect on the change in the land structure in the analysed village. The number of registered plots decreased by 40% (from 1,189 to 711) due to the consolidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivated land plays a pivotal role in ensuring national food security, particularly in populous nations like China, where substantial investments are made to develop cultivated land as a counterbalance to construction-occupied areas. Consequently, long-term, effective monitoring of the utilization of newly cultivated land becomes imperative. This study introduces a comprehensive monitoring framework, designed for refined scales, that leverages remote sensing data. The framework focuses on the sustainable utilization of newly cultivated land, emphasizing utilization sustainability, productivity stability, and landscape integration. Its effectiveness was validated through a case study in Guangdong province, China. The results revealed satisfactory utilization sustainability and improved productivity stability of newly cultivated land in Guangdong, though landscape integration showed sub-optimal results. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation categorized the newly cultivated land into three levels and eight types. The study recommends enhancing the site selection process for newly cultivated land and improving the long-term monitoring, as well as incentive and constraint mechanisms, for their utilization. This study can provide a scientific reference to bolster the implementation of cultivated land protection policies, thereby contributing significantly to high-quality economic and social development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving agricultural energy inefficiency is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural development and promoting major agricultural countries to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. This paper analyzes agricultural energy inefficiency in China, using panel data from 30 provinces between 2000 and 2021. The by-production technology model is employed to measure and decompose inefficiency, and the simultaneous equations model and moderating effect model are utilized to study the impact mechanism of industrial agglomeration, land consolidation, and agricultural energy inefficiency. The findings reveal several key points: First, the average inefficiency of agricultural energy in China increased from 0.370 to 0.514, with economic inefficiency rising at a faster rate than environmental inefficiency. Second, agricultural industrial agglomeration serves to inhibit both agricultural energy economic inefficiency and environmental inefficiency, which, in turn, hampers the development of industrial agglomeration. This relationship shows heterogeneity across the eastern, central, and western regions, as well as between major and non-major grain production areas. Third, land consolidation—both nationally and specifically in the central, major grain-producing, and non-major grain-producing areas—effectively mitigates the deterioration of agricultural energy inefficiency caused by industrial agglomeration. In the eastern region, land consolidation can enhance the inhibitory effect of industrial agglomeration on energy inefficiency. This paper highlights the interconnections between industrial agglomeration, land consolidation, and agricultural energy inefficiency, providing valuable policy references for the development of sustainable agriculture and the proactive and steady advancement of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

Context and background: A common challenge in many agricultural systems in African states is extreme land fragmentation and declining opportunities for economies of scale in production. This study uses the case of farm tenure and support system in Kenya rice schemes to show how the country's National Irrigation Authority has not only stemmed fragmentation but also increased area under cultivation through targeted supply of collectivized infrastructure. Goal and objectives: The study sought to examine and account for sources of better productivity gains in irrigated rice farming in Kenya, compared to other major cereals such as maize and wheat. Methodology: The study is a case study that examines the relative importance of producer prices in sustaining land size and usage for a given crop even when ownership/or leasehold of that piece of land might change. Question one utilizes data from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAOSTAT) to conduct a Producer Price Index (PPI) and production increases correlation analysis. The data for production volumes is obtained from, the annual Kenya Economic Survey 2008-2022. The quantitative data is complemented with expert interviews from institutions involved in rice production in Mwea rice irrigation scheme in Kenya. Results: In spite of increasing farmers and farms under the rice growing scheme (suggesting continued small-scale holdings) area under rice farming has expanded by 40% from 20,000 acres to 30,600 acres while productivity has risen from 4.1 in 2013 to 6.7 tons per ha by 2023. The expansion 10,600 acres has occurred around contiguous small-scale freehold farmers outside of the initial scheme. Within African small scale holder contexts, crop-focused statutory government bodies such as the National Irrigation Authority thus provide useful models in maneuvering and balancing land ownership autonomy and overall national productivity for small scale farm holders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]