Efficiency evaluation of provincial input-output based on DEA in rural China: An empirical study from 2009 to 2011

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is an effective measure tool to evaluate the regional input-output efficiency. After the brief review of existing literature, as well as the principle and models of DEA, this paper evaluates the input-output efficiency of China's 31 provinces (municipalities) via the approach of DEA. The result shows that only four provinces have efficient input-output from 2009-2011 in rural China. Moreover, the average efficiencies values of the three regions are gradually reduce from the east, the center to the west, and the difference is significant. Through the further analysis, the conclusion can be drawn that the whole provincial economic environment and developing level, as well as the reasonable and diversified industrial structure are very important to improve the efficiency and develop the economy.