The spatial impacts of multifunctional farmland use transition on the urban-rural income gap: A major function-oriented zoning perspective

The multifunctional farmland use transition (MFFUT) is increasingly recognised as a critical pathway to addressing urban-rural economic disparities and achieving sustainable development. However, existing studies often fail to integrate the spatiotemporal dynamics of MFFUT with its broader socio-economic impacts. This study bridges this gap by employing a projection pursuit model based on the genetic algorithm (GA-PPM) and spatial econometric models to investigate the short-term and long-term spatial impact of MFFUT on urban-rural income gaps (URIG). The findings indicate that between 2000 and 2020, MFFUT exhibited a significant upward trend, characterized by the simultaneous enhancement of production, living, and ecological functions. MFFUT directly reduced URIG and generated notable spatial spillover effects in neighboring regions. Furthermore, the spatial impacts of MFFUT varied across Major Function-oriented Zones (MFZs), reflecting the differentiated effects of land-use policies. Over time, these spatial effects demonstrated a cumulative influence on income disparities, underscoring the long-term implications of multifunctional land-use strategies. The results provide scientific evidence for the government in formulating relevant policies and optimizing farmland use strategies and offer valuable insights for promoting urban-rural integration and achieving common prosperity.