Formation mechanism of the digital literacy divide among farmers: a qualitative study from China

Based on in-depth interviews with 30 Chinese farmers, this paper adopts a qualitative research approach to explore the formation mechanism of the digital literacy divide among farmers. Findings indicate that personal characteristics, external conditions, and digitalization willingness are the main factors influencing the digital literacy divide among farmers. Personal characteristics encompass a diverse array of factors, including age, educational attainment, economic conditions, and personality traits.

The external conditions mainly involve social networks, public support, and demonstration effects. Digitalization willingness emerges as a synthesis of external environment and internal cognition. This willingness not only directly affects the digital literacy divide, but also plays a mediating role in the relationship between personal characteristics and the digital literacy divide, as well as between external conditions and the digital literacy divide.

This paper offers a systematic micro-level explanation of the causes behind the digital literacy gap among farmers, providing a micro-level practical foundation and theoretical rationale for formulating macro-level policies aimed at bridging this gap. The research was supported by the National Social Science Fund of China (No.22AGL025). Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China Lili Li, Yuzhu Li, Yuhe Wei & Jingran Yang Hangzhou International Urbanology Research Center & Zhejiang Urban Governance Studies Center, Hangzhou, China Institute of Digital Intelligence Innovation and Emerging Industries, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China The authors declare no competing interests.

Ethical Approval: All research content in this article complies with the ethical standards and guidelines stipulated in the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its subsequent amendments, and strictly adheres to the systems and regulations of relevant institutions. This study has obtained ethical approval from the National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences of China (Approval date: September 30, 2022/No.22AGL025).Informed Consent: The survey was conducted from June 2024 to September 2024. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, primarily at farmers’ homes, with some held in village committee offices or outdoor public spaces.

Participants were fully informed of the academic purpose of this study and were assured that the data would be used solely for research purposes and would not be openly shared. Participation is entirely voluntary, and all participants have been informed of their rights to withdraw from the survey at any time. All participants have verbally consented to take part in this survey.

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