Author ORCID Identifier
Shuchao Miao: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8417-1147
Weidong Huang: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2735-5437
Xiaotong Li: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7942-5743
Abstract
In the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development, reducing the use of chemical fertilizer has become a central goal. In China, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers by farmers is largely driven by information asymmetries and cognitive biases. The digital economy, with its facilitation of the dissemination of information and technological support, is increasingly regarded as a key tool for promoting agricultural green development. This study uses an endogenous switching regression model and a spatial econometric model to rigorously evaluate the impact of farmers' digital economy participation on their chemical fertilizer usage. Our results show that farmers' engagement in the digital economy significantly contributes to chemical fertilizer usage reduction, mediated through three primary channels: adopting advanced fertilization techniques, heightening environmental awareness, and enhancing fertilizer management through social supervision. Moreover, our analysis reveals notable spatial spillover effects of farmers’ digital economy participation at both village and township levels.
Recommended Citation
Miao, S.,
Huang, W.,
&
Li, X.
(In press).
The Beneficial Role of Farmers' Digital Economy Participation in Reducing Chemical Fertilizer Use: Evidence from China.
Information Technology for Development.
Available at:
https://aisel.aisnet.org/itd/vol32/iss1/7