Impact of rural digital economy development on agricultural eco-efficiency: evidence from mainland China

Abstract

The integration of the digital economy with rural development is of great significance as it plays a pivotal role in mitigating carbon emissions and environmental pollution in agriculture, thereby contributing to the evolution of agriculture in a green and sustainable manner. This study aims to examine the impact and mechanisms of rural digital economy development (RDED) on agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE). Specifically, based on provincial-level panel data from China spanning from 2011 to 2021, we evaluate China’s AEE by employing the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (Super SBM) model, taking into account the positive externality of agricultural carbon sinks. Then we analyze the impact and mechanisms of RDED on AEE using the two-way fixed effects model. The findings indicate that: (1) RDED significantly promotes AEE, and this conclusion remains robust even after being tested by replacing the explained variable, altering the sample interval, and including more control variables; (2) RDED can significantly drive AEE in the midwestern regions of China, but the promotion effect on the eastern region has not been fully demonstrated. Additionally, the promotion effect in southern China is greater than that in northern China; (3) agricultural science and technology investment partially mediates the impact of RDED on AEE. Moreover, agricultural science and technology innovation has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between RDED and AEE. Lastly, this study provides new evidence and policy recommendations for developing countries, such as China, to proactively facilitate the coordinated development of the rural digital economy and agricultural ecology, and attain green and sustainable ecological agriculture.