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Enhancing Food Security through Digital Inclusive Finance: Evidence from Agricultural Enterprises in China

Author

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  • Siqi Huang

    (School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia)

  • Nik Hadiyan Nik Azman

    (School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia)

Abstract

As a means of enhancing food security, efficient agricultural processing and the maintenance of a smooth supply chain are essential for ensuring food quality and reducing food wastage. Agricultural enterprises play a crucial role in the processing and transportation of food from farms to dinner tables. Operating income growth plays the vital role of ensuring that agricultural enterprises function in a stable manner while also indicating the quantity and quality of market food supply. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the impact of digital inclusive finance on food security by analyzing the effect of digital inclusive finance on the operating income of agricultural enterprises in China. By applying pooled OLS analysis to Chinese agricultural enterprises that are listed in the National Equities Exchange and Quotations, this study finds that digital inclusive finance can help improve agricultural operating income. The results reveal that digital inclusive finance can facilitate the promotion of agricultural operating income by increasing the supply of financing, accelerating inventory liquidity, and supporting investment in research and development. In addition, this study concludes that digital inclusive finance is more effective for increasing agricultural operating income as a result of its wider coverage and deeper utilization. Furthermore, the development of traditional finance is still necessary for the digitization of digital inclusive finance to be effective.

Suggested Citation

  • Siqi Huang & Nik Hadiyan Nik Azman, 2023. "Enhancing Food Security through Digital Inclusive Finance: Evidence from Agricultural Enterprises in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2956-:d:1061514
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    1. Penglong Li & Xuan Ye, 2024. "Research on the promotion effect and mechanisms of digital empowerment of food enterprises," Agricultural Economics, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 70(2), pages 60-72.
    2. Tianli Wang & Yanji Ma & Siqi Luo, 2023. "Spatial Pattern and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Leading Enterprises in Heilongjiang Province, China," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-23, October.

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