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Title: Smartphone access, digital economy, and pesticide use intensity: Evidence from China
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.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1903597
PAR ID:
10542046
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Elsevier
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Science of The Total Environment
Volume:
943
Issue:
C
ISSN:
0048-9697
Page Range / eLocation ID:
173867
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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