Food security is a strategic concern of long-term regional development.Given the rapid population growth and continuing reduction in arable lands

increasing food production efficiency becomes the key to increase food production.Using the ESDA techniques and DEA Malmquist model

in conjunction with the spatial pattern of geographical research methods

we estimated grain production efficiency of 138 counties in Hebei Province from 1990 to 2005

and discussed the evolution characteristics and patterns of spatial clustering of the grain production efficiency on the county-level in Hebei Province.Results showed that grain production efficiency of 138 counties were aggregated spatially in the provincial region; however

the inter-regional differences were reduced.The local spatial aggregation pattern of grain production efficiency indices were significant

and the evolution of spatial aggregation pattern were evident on county-level in Hebei Province from 1990-2005.This study provides methodology for estimating spatial patterns of production efficiency

scientific basis for properly regionalizing production

and regional strategy for food security.