Smartphone access, digital economy, and pesticide use intensity: Evidence from China

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-15-2024

Abstract

Pesticide overuse has been an increasing concern in China. Digital technology, such as smartphone access, is considered an effective way to promote proper use of pesticides. Using the Chinese Extended Family Database (2015, 2017, and 2019), this study empirically examines the impact of smartphone access on pesticide use intensity among Chinese farmers. The results show a “double-edged sword” effect of smartphone access on pesticide use intensity. In rural areas with a low level of digital economy, greater smartphone access led to higher pesticide use intensity. In rural areas with a high digital economy level, smartphone access reduced pesticide use intensity. The study results show that reducing pesticide use intensity through digital technology is not a linear process but a complicated one that involves social and engineering integration, including an increase in access to smartphones, development of a regional digital economy, reconstruction of agricultural extension systems, and enhancement of the capacity of digital technology.

Identifier

85195610159 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Science of the Total Environment

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173867

e-ISSN

18791026

ISSN

00489697

PubMed ID

38862040

Volume

943

Grant

21BJY184

Fund Ref

National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS