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The role of online rural community platforms in influencing the entrepreneurial livelihood choice of farmers: Evidence from rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Ma, Jing
  • Jiang, Guoyin

Abstract

This study provides new evidence on how online rural community platforms, as a type of information and communication technology (ICT) for rural information access, influence the entrepreneurial livelihood choice of farmers, particularly those who are marginalized. Using data from the 2018 China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey and employing an endogenous switching probit model within the sustainable livelihood framework, this research finds that these community platforms encourage farmers to engage in entrepreneurial livelihood activities. Counterfactual analysis shows that the increase in entrepreneurial livelihood choice is more significant for farmers without access to these platforms. Notably, the impact is most pronounced among those with high digital literacy and in lower-income groups. This research not only enriches our understanding of the role of ICT in farmers’ livelihood choice but also provides practical insights for policymakers by emphasizing the need for effective information access policies and enhanced digital literacy in rural areas to support farmers' livelihood decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Jing & Jiang, Guoyin, 2026. "The role of online rural community platforms in influencing the entrepreneurial livelihood choice of farmers: Evidence from rural China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 471-484.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:91:y:2026:i:c:p:471-484
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.03.030
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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