Multifunctional farmland use transition and its impact on synergistic governance efficiency for pollution reduction, carbon mitigation, and production increase: A perspective of Major Function-oriented Zoning

Farmland plays a vital role in regional food security and sustainable development. However, traditional farming practices primarily focus on grain production, neglecting the multifunctionality of farmland, which can lead to increased pollution and carbon emissions. This study investigates the impact of multifunctional farmland use transition (MFFUT) on synergistic governance efficiency for pollution reduction, carbon mitigation, and production increase in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain (HHHP) from 2000 to 2020. Using econometric models, including the SSA-PPM model, super-efficiency SBM-DEA model, panel quantile model, and threshold regression model, the study evaluates the effectiveness of MFFUT in achieving synergistic governance. The results show that: 1) MFFUT is in an upward trend in MFFUT over the two decades, significantly enhancing the synergistic governance efficiency of pollution reduction, carbon mitigation, and production increase; 2) The positive impact of MFFUT on synergistic governance efficiency varies among different Major Function-oriented Zones (MFZs) and different efficiency levels, with higher quantiles showing more significant improvements; 3) Industrial structure serves as a crucial threshold, affecting the relationship between MFFUT and synergistic governance efficiency. This study stresses the balance of grain production expansion with environmental conservation through MFFUT. It contributes to a deeper understanding of MFFUT's role in sustainable agriculture, providing valuable insights for policymakers to support rational farmland resource utilisation and promote sustainable agricultural development.