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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

  • Qibiao Zhu

    (Institute of Rural Development, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Baozhi Li & Ni Zhuo & Chen Ji & Qibiao Zhu, 2022. "Influence of Smartphone-Based Digital Extension Service on Farmers’ Sustainable Agricultural Technology Adoption in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9639-:d:881027
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    1. Yuxuan Xu & Hongbin Liu & Jie Lyu & Ying Xue, 2022. "What Influences Farmers’ Adoption of Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization Technology in Black Soil Areas? An Empirical Analysis Based on Logistic-ISM Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-24, November.
    2. Yang Liu & Jiajun Qiao & Jie Xiao & Dong Han & Tao Pan, 2022. "Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Rural Revitalization and an Improvement Path: A Typical Old Revolutionary Cultural Area as an Example," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-24, October.
    3. Baozhi Li & Bin Guo & Qibiao Zhu & Ni Zhuo, 2023. "Impact of Technical Training and Personalized Information Support on Farmers’ Fertilization Behavior: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-11, June.
    4. Mamiya Binte Ahsan & Guo Leifeng & Fardous Mohammad Safiul Azam & Beibei Xu & Shah Johir Rayhan & Abdul Kaium & Wang Wensheng, 2022. "Barriers, Challenges, and Requirements for ICT Usage among Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officers in Bangladesh: Toward Sustainability in Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-27, December.
    5. Runqi Lun & Wei Liu & Guojing Li & Qiyou Luo, 2024. "Does Digital Agricultural Technology Extension Service Enhance Sustainable Food Production? Evidence from Maize Farmers in China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-23, February.
    6. Jiabin Xu & Zhaoda Cui & Tianyi Wang & Jingjing Wang & Zhigang Yu & Cuixia Li, 2023. "Influence of Agricultural Technology Extension and Social Networks on Chinese Farmers’ Adoption of Conservation Tillage Technology," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-23, June.
    7. Julián F. Becerra-Encinales & Paloma Bernal-Hernandez & Jorge A. Beltrán-Giraldo & Alexandre P. Cooman & Luis H. Reyes & Juan C. Cruz, 2024. "Agricultural Extension for Adopting Technological Practices in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review of Barriers and Dimensions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-20, April.
    8. Rong Xu & Yating Zhan & Jialan Zhang & Qiang He & Kuan Zhang & Dingde Xu & Yanbin Qi & Xin Deng, 2022. "Does Construction of High-Standard Farmland Improve Recycle Behavior of Agricultural Film? Evidence from Sichuan, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-14, October.
    9. Ni Zhuo & Baozhi Li & Qibiao Zhu & Chen Ji, 2023. "Smartphone‐based agricultural extension services and farm incomes: Evidence from Zhejiang Province in China," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 1383-1402, August.
    10. Junxia Zeng & Dengwang Li & Cuiping Ma & Bin Wang & Liangliang Gao, 2022. "The Impact of Different Uses of the Internet on Farmers′ Adoption of Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization Technology in Rural China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-14, December.

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