Does ICT-based agriculture extension service use promote litchi farmers' involvement in diversification? Evidence from Southern China

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of ICT-based Agriculture Extension Service (IAES) use on farmers' diversification decision using a cross-sectional survey over 928 litchi growers in southern China. To solve the endogeneity problem, a recursive bivariate probit (RBP) model is employed. The RBP model result indicates that IAES use increases the probability of farm diversification by 24.7%. Moreover, the findings suggest that IAES use has a positive impact on litchi growers’ decision on livestock integration, but has no impact on intercropping. In the light of the findings of this study, government should promote the use of IAES to advance sustainable intensification of agriculture and secure rural livelihoods.