Can Digital Literacy Promote Pesticide Reduction Among Farmers? An Analysis of Heterogeneity

Abstract

Against the backdrop of the deepening green transformation of agriculture and the development of digital rural communities, exploring the impact of digital literacy on the reduction of agricultural inputs holds significant practical importance. Based on data from county statistical yearbooks and government statistical bulletins, this study employs the Digital Inclusive Finance Index to measure digital literacy levels and empirically examines its impact on pesticide use. The findings reveal that improved digital literacy significantly curbs pesticide use, indicating that the accumulation of digital capabilities helps drive farmers’ transition from experience-based inputs to precision-based inputs. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that this inhibitory effect is more pronounced in eastern and central regions, as well as in key environmental protection cities and old industrial bases. This study argues that efforts to enhance farmers’ digital literacy should be integrated with the development of a green agricultural governance system to better leverage the role of digital empowerment in reducing pesticide and fertilizer use while improving efficiency.