Research on Forestry Investment Efficiency in Jiangxi Province

Abstract

This study assesses resource allocation in forestry investment in Jiangxi Province using annual data for 2012–2020. Input-oriented data envelopment analysis models under constant and variable returns to scale are used to estimate technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency. The inputs are fixed-asset investment and year-end employment; the outputs are afforestation area and forestry output value. Sensitivity is examined by changing the indicator specification and excluding the first observation. Mean technical efficiency is 0.6824. It declines between 2012 and 2014, rises continuously from 2015, and reaches the sample radial frontier in 2020. Mean pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency are 0.8639 and 0.7685, respectively. Scale efficiency is lower than pure technical efficiency in most years, suggesting that investment assessment should consider both scale alignment and resource utilization at a given scale. Model-based returns to scale are increasing during 2012–2019 and constant in 2020. Alternative specifications change some annual scores and rankings, whereas excluding 2012 leaves the remaining scores unchanged. The findings inform recommendations on investment performance management, technical services and labor allocation, financing terms aligned with project revenue cycles, and industrial coordination tailored to local conditions.