Abstract:
The evaluation index system for urban-rural integration was established based on economic, spatial, social, and living integration dimensions. Taking Sichuan Province as an example, this study calculated the urban-rural integration index of Sichuan and its 18 prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2021, and analyzed the obstacle factors affecting the level of urban-rural integration development. The results showed that the overall level of urban-rural integration in Sichuan Province exhibited an upward trend, with improved coordination in urban-rural integration development among the 18 prefecture-level cities. The overall Theil index demonstrated a significant downward trend, and the differences mainly stemmed from interregional disparities. Insufficient economic integration was the primary obstacle hindering urban-rural integration in Sichuan Province, specifically manifested in indicators such as urban-rural land allocation, the ratio of non-agricultural to agricultural employment, agricultural technology levels, the ratio of urban-rural Engel’s coefficients, the dual production efficiency ratio, and the intensity of financial support for agriculture. To promote urban-rural integration, firstly, differentiated policies should be adopted to facilitate balanced development of urban-rural integration. Secondly, industrial structures should be optimized to enhance the endogenous development momentum of agriculture. Thirdly, the market-oriented allocation reform of land factors should be deepened to unleash their value. Lastly, the construction of urban and rural infrastructure should be coordinated.