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An Empirical Investigation of the “Mezzogiorno Trap” in China’s Agricultural Economy: Insights from Data Envelopment Analysis (2015–2021)

Author

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  • Xiaotuan Li

    (School of Politics and Law, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China)

  • Panfei Yang

    (China Electronic Product Reliability and Environmental Testing Research Institute, Guangzhou 510610, China)

  • Yuntao Zou

    (School of Computer of Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
    School of Energy and Power Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China)

Abstract

Reducing regional inequality is one of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. However, a persistent regional disparity known as the “Mezzogiorno Trap” presents a significant challenge. The underdeveloped regions that fall into the “Mezzogiorno Trap”, even though they can narrow the gap with other regions through substantial support, see the disparity widen again when the level of assistance starts to decline. This paper proposes a methodology for identifying the “Mezzogiorno Trap”. By employing this approach and combining panel data on Chinese agriculture from 2015 to 2021, it is discovered that despite the overall development of the Chinese agricultural economy during this period, the “Mezzogiorno Trap” still exists. The paper analyzes the reasons behind the “Mezzogiorno Trap” in the Chinese agricultural economy and presents constructive recommendations based on the research findings. The research process demonstrates that this methodology is better suited for studying regional disparities in specific economic sectors, and the obtained results are more stable and reliable.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaotuan Li & Panfei Yang & Yuntao Zou, 2023. "An Empirical Investigation of the “Mezzogiorno Trap” in China’s Agricultural Economy: Insights from Data Envelopment Analysis (2015–2021)," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-30, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2023:i:9:p:1806-:d:1239173
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    1. Filiberto Altobelli & Roberto Henke, 2024. "Economic Strategies and Policy Suggestions of Agricultural Sustainable Food Production," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-7, March.

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