^{Yansui Liu a b c , Siwei Hu b, Ni Chen a c, Zhao Ran a c}

^a Faculty of Geographical Science and Engineering, Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China

^b Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China

^c Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Multifunctional agriculture

Rural multifunctionality

Multifunctional rural transformation

Rural areal system

Rural revitalization

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ages.2026.100007