Work

How do multidimensional land use conflicts shape rural multifunctionality? An empirical study of the Yangtze River Delta from a conflict–coordination perspective

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In the context of urban–rural integration, how multidimensional land use conflict (LUC) differentially shapes rural multifunctionality is a key question for sustainable rural development. Existing studies, however, have largely treated the two independently, with limited systematic analysis. This study extends the conflict–coordination perspective from explaining land-use transition itself to analyzing its effects on rural multifunctionality. It combines planning-oriented and machine-learning suitability assessments to construct an integrated analytical framework linking the pattern, mismatch, and competition dimensions of LUC with rural multifunctionality. Drawing on multi-source data for 2000, 2010, and 2020 in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), we use 3-km rural grid cells as evaluation units and apply generalized additive models and piecewise regression, XGBoost–SHAP, and the geographical pattern causality (GPC) model through a progressive sequence of association identification, impact analysis, and causal inference. The results show that, under the conflict–coordination perspective, the effects of LUC on rural multifunctionality exhibit differentiation, nonlinearity, and bidirectional feedback. During the study period, rural multifunctionality continued to improve, with non-agricultural economic function growing fastest, while composite LUC rose at an accelerating rate. Composite LUC was positively associated with the rural multifunctionality index (RMI) in all three study years, but the association weakened beyond the thresholds. Analysis of changes over 2000–2020, however, showed that intensifying LUC generally coincided with declining rural multifunctionality. Multidimensional LUC produced differentiated nonlinear effects through spatial form, factor allocation, and functional composition. The relative importance of LUC increased. In 2020, spatial pattern conflict showed inverted-U effects on agricultural production and ecological functions. Suitability mismatch conflict showed L-shaped decreasing effects on RMI, agricultural production function, and ecological function, but was associated with stronger non-agricultural economic function. Use-competition conflict had generally positive effects on RMI and agricultural production function, showed an inverted-U effect on living function, and constrained non-agricultural economic function in areas where use-competition conflict was high. These effects were moderated by natural and locational conditions and varied markedly across space. GPC tests revealed bidirectional feedback between composite LUC and RMI, with the LUC-to-RMI direction dominant. The negative causal strength of composite LUC on RMI declined slightly before rising again. Agricultural and non-agricultural economic activities played a greater role in shaping LUC pressure, whereas living and ecological functions more often reflected the consequences of land allocation. Non-agricultural expansion intensified LUC, with gains in living function coexisting with agricultural and ecological losses. Negative effects on agricultural production function operated mainly through spatial pattern conflict and suitability mismatch conflict, while all three LUC dimensions exerted negative causal effects on ecological function in each study year. These findings reveal the coexistence of alignment and dislocation between land allocation and functional demands, providing an analytical perspective for understanding the relationship between land use and rural development in regions where rapid urbanization intersects with rural transformation.

Source: Habitat International

DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2026.104011

Authors: Chen Li, Weifeng Qiao, Juan Tang, Meng Yu, Yan Wu, Binpin Gao