Spatial–Temporal Evolution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Water Use Efficiency in Northwest China—Based on a Super-DEA Model and a Spatial Panel Econometric Model

Improving agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) is an important way to solve the shortage of resources in arid and semi-arid regions. This study used Super-DEA (data envelopment analysis) measure AWUE 52 cities Northwest China from 2000 2018. Based on spatial temporal perspectives, it applied Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) explore dynamic evolution regional differences AWUE. A econometric model was then analyze main factors that influence China. The results showed firstly overall 2018 presented a steady upward trend. However, only few achieved effective usage by 2018, among were obvious. Secondly, obvious autocorrelation significant high–high low–low agglomeration characteristics. Thirdly, economic growth, urbanization development, irrigation have significant, positive effects AWUE, while per capita resource has negative influence. Finally, when improving regions, plans should be formulated according local conditions. this can provide new ideas regions references for formulation utilization policies as well.