Driving factors for decoupling water resources ecological footprint and economic growth in water-deficient cities dominated by agriculture

Abstract To explore the key factors and specific thresholds of water resources limiting economic development, to provide technical support for management in cities dominated by agriculture similar Zhangjiakou. We used Tapio elastic decoupling method quantitatively evaluate relationship between ecological footprint (WEF) growth. Then logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) mathematical statistics are identify threshold effects. The results show a significant decreasing trend WEF obvious spatial differences Zhangjiakou 2006 2015, with agricultural dominating all districts counties (77.54 ± 14.35%). changes technological effect contributing factor economy Zhangjiakou, while is main restricting factor. In particular, there high correlation number water-saving irrigation machines total power machinery. According findings, water-scarce such as where primary focus, it suggested that increasing machinery can effectively alleviate problem scarcity constraining development.