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Can E-Commerce Adoption Improve Agricultural Productivity? Evidence from Apple Growers in China

Author

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  • Beibei Yan

    (School of Management, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Tianjun Liu

    (College of Economics & Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China
    Western Rural Development Research Center, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, China)

Abstract

E-commerce is not only a new channel through which farmers can sell agricultural products, but also an important engine for transforming agricultural development and modernizing agriculture in the era of the digital economy. Analyzing the adoption of e-commerce from the micro level to improve farmers’ production efficiency has practical value. On the basis of theoretical discussion and analysis and on the survey data of 827 apple farmers in Shaanxi Province, China, we used propensity score matching (PSM) and stepwise regression to test the effects of e-commerce adoption on agricultural production efficiency and the mechanism through which these effects occur. The results showed that e-commerce adoption has a significant positive impact on agricultural production efficiency. The allocation of agricultural factors plays a mediating role in the impact of e-commerce adoption on agricultural production efficiency. Specifically, e-commerce adoption can effectively encourage farmers to rationally allocate agricultural labor, land, and capital production factors, promote the sustainable development of the environment and contribute to creating a harmonious community atmosphere. Therefore, we propose strengthening rural e-commerce support and the publicity and guidance regarding e-commerce adoption by farmers, holding e-commerce training, and promoting the popularization of rural e-commerce to help promote the modernization of agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Beibei Yan & Tianjun Liu, 2022. "Can E-Commerce Adoption Improve Agricultural Productivity? Evidence from Apple Growers in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2022:i:1:p:150-:d:1011292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhiqiang Liu & Shitong Jia & Zixing Wang & Caiyun Guo & Yanqi Niu, 2022. "A Measurement Model and Empirical Analysis of the Coordinated Development of Rural E-Commerce Logistics and Agricultural Modernization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-22, October.
    2. Ogutu, Sylvester Ochieng & Okello, Julius Juma & Otieno, David Jakinda, 2014. "Impact of Information and Communication Technology-Based Market Information Services on Smallholder Farm Input Use and Productivity: The Case of Kenya," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 311-321.
    3. George Battese & Sumiter Broca, 1997. "Functional Forms of Stochastic Frontier Production Functions and Models for Technical Inefficiency Effects: A Comparative Study for Wheat Farmers in Pakistan," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 8(4), pages 395-414, November.
    4. Xiaoxia Li, 2022. "Research on the Development Level of Rural E-Commerce in China Based on Analytic Hierarchy and Systematic Clustering Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-18, July.
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    Cited by:

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