Study on sustainable land use path in yellow river basin based on DSR-fsQCA approach

Enhancing sustainable development capacity and promoting efficient land resource utilization in river basins are essential for comprehensive and intensive land use management. Integrating the DSR (Driving-State-Response) model with fsQCA (fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis) to develop a comprehensive framework for improving sustainable land development in the Yellow River Basin. The research covers nine provinces and thirty regions within the basin. Key findings include: (1) Configuration analysis identifies a diverse range of factors influencing sustainable development capacity, with population size and fixed asset investment playing crucial roles. (2) Heterogeneity analysis reveals spatial variations in urban sustainable development capacity within the basin, with core conditions such as land allocation, economic growth, and environmental protection being essential for high-level sustainability. (3) Substitution effect analysis highlights the importance of government regulation and strategic land allocation, showing various effective combinations for enhancing urban sustainability. The study provides tailored recommendations to address constraints and enhance sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin, contributing to its high-quality development on a global scale.