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Digital capabilities and diet quality in rural China: Evidence from a household panel survey

Author

Listed:
  • Luo, Qianfeng
  • Zhao, Qifeng
  • Yu, Yihua
  • Kong, Shuning

Abstract

Poor diet quality remains a persistent challenge in rural areas of developing countries, where households face both income constraints and limited access to nutrition information. This paper examines whether digital capabilities help rural households overcome these barriers and improve dietary outcomes. Drawing on household production theory, we conceptualize digital skills as a form of human capital that relaxes economic and informational constraints by expanding market access and lowering the cost of acquiring nutrition knowledge. Using survey data from rural China and applying instrumental variable and propensity score matching approaches, we find that a one standard deviation increase in digital capabilities significantly narrows the gap between actual and recommended dietary intake. The effects are strongest among less educated households, older household heads, and remote communities. Mechanism analysis shows that both income gains and improved nutrition knowledge are key mechanisms, highlighting digital inclusion as a promising pathway to better nutrition.

Suggested Citation

  • Luo, Qianfeng & Zhao, Qifeng & Yu, Yihua & Kong, Shuning, 2026. "Digital capabilities and diet quality in rural China: Evidence from a household panel survey," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 875-893.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:91:y:2026:i:c:p:875-893
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.03.044
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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
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs

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