The Impact of Digital Technology Use on Farmers' Quality of Life: Evidence From Rural China
Review of Development Economics
Published online on April 06, 2026
Abstract
["Review of Development Economics, Volume 30, Issue 2, Page 770-793, May 2026. ", "\nABSTRACT\nEnhancing residents' quality of life is a global concern. This study employs panel data from five waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014 to 2022 and utilizes a two‐way fixed effects model to examine the impact of digital technology use on farmers' quality of life and its mechanisms. The empirical results indicate that digital technology use significantly improves farmers' quality of life. Mechanism analysis reveals that digital technology use enhances farmers' quality of life by promoting non‐agricultural employment, increasing labor income, improving health literacy, and raising consumption levels. Further heterogeneity analysis suggests that the effects of digital technology use vary across regions, educational backgrounds, and income levels. The findings provide valuable insights for future policy design aimed at improving well‐being.\n"]