Exploring the Spatial Association of Food Security in Agrifood System: A Network‐Based Approach

ABSTRACT Food security has emerged as a crucial strategy for China. However, its spatial association and spillover effect in China have not been thoroughly investigated. This study innovatively integrates spatial association network, revised gravity model and food security index to construct spatial network of food security to reveal its spatial association characteristics and spillover effects in the agrifood system from 1995 to 2019. Results show that the combination of a high clustering coefficient and moderate average path length in the spatial network indicates clear ‘small world’ characteristics emerging prominently after 2015. This suggests a strong modular structure in spatial associations of food security, characterized by efficient local connectivity and enhanced coordination capabilities. Additionally, four modules show significant spillover effects, highlighting the interdependent nature of provincial regions. This integrative approach effectively addresses critical gaps in systematically understanding spatial complexities in the agrifood system and helps support the holistic principle of ‘whole’ while clarifying the provinces' responsibility in achieving national food security.