The Role of the Digital Economy in Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Development: Implications for Sustainable Food Security

Xia Kuang, Hailan Qiu, Zhipeng Wang, Jiawei Wang () and Feng Ye ()
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Xia Kuang: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
Hailan Qiu: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
Zhipeng Wang: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
Jiawei Wang: Digital Faculty of Economics, Jiangxi Open University, Nanchang 330046, China
Feng Ye: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: The digital economy is increasingly recognized as a key force behind sustainable agricultural development, transforming farm management and enhancing food security through innovation, resource optimization, and data-driven decision-making. This study examines how participation in the digital economy affects the agricultural management scale of high-quality farmers in Jiangxi Province, China. Based on survey data from 868 farmers collected in 2022, we apply Ordinary Least Squares regression models, instrumental variable approaches, and mediation analysis to identify the mechanisms at work. The findings indicate that digital economy participation significantly expands agricultural management scale by promoting land transfer-in and elevating farmers’ subjective social status. Further heterogeneity analysis shows that the positive impact is more pronounced among older farmers and those not intending to pursue further education. These insights highlight the essential role of digital tools in fostering sustainable and scalable farming practices and offer practical implications for rural digital transformation strategies.

Keywords: digital economy; sustainable agriculture; high-quality farmers; agricultural management scale; rural development; food security (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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