Research on the Current Status, Key Challenges and Optimization Pathways of Improving Farmers' Digital Literacy: Evidence from an Empirical Investigation in Suqian, Jiangsu Province

Jingyao  Hui; Yumei  Peng; Bai Liu

doi:10.62177/chst.v3i2.1442

Authors

Jingyao Hui Suqian University
Yumei Peng Suqian University
Bai Liu Suqian University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62177/chst.v3i2.1442

Keywords:

Farmers' Digital Literacy, Digital Countryside, European Digital Competence Framework, Suqian City

Abstract

Under the critical imperative of rural revitalization, farmers' digital literacy has emerged as a foundational cornerstone for advancing digital rural construction and driving the digital transformation of agricultural industries. Grounded in the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp), this study contextualizes its inquiry in Suqian City, Jiangsu Province, to systematically evaluate the current status, underlying dilemmas, and optimization strategies regarding farmers' digital literacy. The empirical findings reveal a distinct structural polarization, characterized by "strong foundational fluencies but deficient higher-order competencies" among local farmers. Specifically, the investigation identifies three systemic bottlenecks: an urgent need for innovation in digital technology training models, a critical shortage of specialized talents in digital agriculture, and an insufficient intrinsic drive for digital transformation among farmers. To address these dilemmas, this paper proposes three strategic pathways: innovating multi-modular digital talent training models to establish a precision-targeted, tiered cultivation system; bridge the gap between supply and demand in digital training while accelerating digital agricultural infrastructure construction; and stimulating farmers' intrinsic motivation for digital transformation by expanding accessible, digital public services that benefit rural communities.

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