Research on the Impact and Mechanism of Internet Use on the Poverty Vulnerability of Farmers in China

Abstract

Poverty vulnerability is an important indicator to achieve sustainable development of farmers out of poverty in China. Based on the data of China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2018, we research the impact and mechanism of Internet use on the poverty vulnerability of farmers in the context of the Internet plus strategy. The study found that under the poverty line of US $1.9 and US $3.1, vulnerable farmers accounted for 9.48% and 33.88% of the total sample, respectively. The use of the Internet can significantly reduce the poverty vulnerability of farmers. After using instrumental variables to overcome endogenous problems, and using the PSM method for robustness testing, the research conclusions are still valid. The mechanism shows that the use of the Internet reduces the level of poverty vulnerability by increasing income levels, enhancing the ability of farmers to obtain information, and promoting non-agricultural employment. Therefore, in the process of establishing and improving the long-term mechanism for poverty governance, it is necessary to fully promote the integration of the Internet and poverty vulnerabilities to further realize the long-term effectiveness and stability of poverty governance. Therefore, in the process of establishing and improving the long-term mechanism of poverty governance, we should first promote the full coverage of Internet infrastructure. Second, the government should improve the digital literacy of farmers. Third, the goal of the Internet plus strategy in the process of poverty control should be precise.