Multifunctional rural areal system transformation and rural revitalization

Rural areal system transformation is a new development trend in the process of rapid urbanization and global climate change. Although this topic has been theorized and empirically explored, a lack of systematic understanding and holistic approach remains for integrating multifunctions into rural development strategies, given the complexity of rural areal system transformation and the need for integrated decision-making toward sustainable development. Here, we provided a detailed elaboration of rural areal system functions, linking it to the priority agenda of rural revitalization. The "element-structure-function-sustainability" cascade framework was proposed to identify the formation mechanisms of rural areal system functions and practical solutions for advancing sustainability. Incorporating the concept of rural areal system function into the analysis of multifunctional rural transformation processes and mechanisms, we identified stages shifting from traditional to intensive agricultural production and then toward multifunctional rural development, while examining interactions among functions and influences of drivers. We demonstrated that changes in socio-economic and eco-environmental drivers spanning local, regional, and global levels and their transmission effects shape rural multifunctionality. Pathways, including spatial restructuring and geographical engineering, agricultural diversification and industrial restructuring, ecological industrialization and value realization, and organizational restructuring and collaborative governance, were suggested for multifunctional rural revitalization through "element integration-structure optimization-function improvement-goal coordination". This study provides a useful research paradigm and decision-making reference for rural areal system functions and multifunctional rural transformation. • Rural areal system functions are linked to the rural revitalization. • A "element–structure–function–sustainability" paradigm demonstrates the cascade of rural areal system functions. • Multifunctional rural transformation processes and mechanisms reflect the interactions among functions and the influences of drivers. • Multifunctional rural revitalization pathways can be incorporated into sustainability solutions.