Transforming mountain agriculture, Smallholder family production, Moderate-scale agriculture, Sustainable development, Environmental sciences, GE1-350, Technology

Transforming mountain agriculture in China involves integrating smallholder family production and moderate-scale agricultural operations. This process enhances agricultural efficiency, alleviates poverty, and combats hunger in mountainous regions, thus contributing to sustainable development goals. This study developed a conceptual framework to transform mountain agriculture based on the theory of spatial-behavior interaction. The aim was to elucidate the inherent mechanisms and formation processes. The validity of this framework was confirmed by analyzing two representative cases. Additionally, the study distilled the experiences of mountain agriculture transformation in China and established a Chinese model. The study found that spatial constraints in mountainous areas are no longer the predominant limiting factors in transforming mountain agriculture. The transformation should consider the compatibility between the transformation approach and the local agricultural production history, the structure of agricultural production subjects, and the distribution of agricultural production benefits. Linking smallholder family production and moderate-scale agriculture shows strong feasibility in mountainous regions. This study provides valuable insights into transforming mountain agriculture in other mountainous regions worldwide, particularly in developing countries.