Evaluation index system and empirical analysis of agro-ecological civilization on the county scale-A case study of Shijiazhuang City

Agro-ecological civilization is a key embodiment of the construction of China's ecological civilization. The county-scale construction of an evaluation index system of agro-ecological civilization can be used to judge agro-ecological civilization and to implement different policies suitable to different counties. It is important to construct a scientific and ra-tional pattern of agricultural development. Starting with the construction of agro-ecological civilization and based on step-wise analytic hierarchy and cluster analysis, this paper used 22 indicators for four areas of ecological vitality, economic vitality, social vitality and coordination degree to construct a county-scale evaluation index system of agro-ecological civilization. In a case study of 17 counties in Shijiazhuang, the paper used the 2012 statistical data to conduct comprehensive analysis and appraisal of unit area of county agro-ecological civilization and put forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions. It provided a more perfect theoretical basis for the construction of agro-ecological civilization. In terms of ecological vitality, the results showed a significant overall advantage for Xinle City, Pingshan County, Gaocheng City, Luancheng County, Lingshou County, Luquan City and Jinzhou City. For overall economic vitality, Gaocheng City, Xinji City, Luquan City and Zhengding County were preferred. In terms of social vitality, Pingshan County and Luancheng County were the best, while Zanhuang County, Gaocheng City, Jinzhou City and Wuji County were the worst. For coordination degree, Gaocheng City, Luquan City and Luancheng County were on the whole better. Inference from a comprehensive analysis of agro-ecological civilization at county-scale suggested that economic vitality had the greatest impact on comprehensive level of agro-ecological civilization. The more powerful counties in the economic field, the comprehensive level was higher. The above results showed that economic, social and coordination factors strongly supported the construction and development of agro-ecological civilization in the study area. Therefore in the process of construction of agro-ecological civilization in Shijiazhuang City, a full understand of the levels of ecological, social and economic development in the counties was critical. It was also important to adhere to the principle of local conditions and partition policy in improving the level of agricultural development and optimizing the pattern of agro-ecological development.