Influence of Smartphone-Based Digital Extension Service on Farmers’ Sustainable Agricultural Technology Adoption in China

Baozhi Li, Ni Zhuo, Chen Ji and Qibiao Zhu ()
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Baozhi Li: Institute of Rural Development, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
Ni Zhuo: Institute of Rural Development, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
Chen Ji: China Academy for Rural Development (CARD), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
Qibiao Zhu: Institute of Rural Development, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-14

Abstract: The literature about how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) influence farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural technology is emerging, studies regarding the effects of particular smartphone-based digital extension services on farmers’ sustainable agricultural technology practices are limited. This study investigates the relationship between a digital extension service (“Zhe’ yang’ shi” WeChat application) and the adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization, a precision fertilization technology. A household choice model is constructed to explain the impact of the application. Based on a household-level data set from a survey of 400 farmers in Zhejiang in 2022, empirical results show that the use of the “Zhe’ yang’ shi” WeChat application significantly increases the adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization. We also discuss the heterogeneous effect by different production scales. The findings enrich the literature regarding ICTs’ influence on farmers’ behavior in adopting sustainable agricultural technology. It provides a valuable example for developing countries to promote sustainable agriculture through digital technology.

Keywords: smartphone-based digital extension service; sustainable agricultural technology adoption; soil testing formula fertilizer technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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