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

Abstract

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.