Digital skills and farmers’ consumption inequality: mechanisms, regional insights, and policy implications

Introduction Promoting sustainable food systems requires advancing social and economic equity, particularly in rural areas with limited access to technology. Digital skills are increasingly vital in narrowing consumption disparities and fostering sustainable livelihoods. Methods This study investigates the impact of digital skills on consumption inequality among Chinese farmers using longitudinal data from the 2014–2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). A Tobit regression model is employed, supplemented with robustness checks. Results The findings reveal that digital skills significantly reduce consumption inequality, especially in subsistence-related categories (such as food and healthcare) and enjoyment-oriented categories (such as education and leisure). Discussion Mechanism analysis identifies three key pathways through which digital skills operate: reducing mobility constraints, increasing non-farm employment opportunities, and improving access to information. The effects are particularly pronounced among farmers aged over 60 and those residing in central, western, northeastern, and northern regions. Policy implications include expanding digital skills training, enhancing regulation of rural credit institutions, and improving digital platforms for information dissemination. Tailored, region-specific strategies are recommended to accelerate digital inclusion and promote equitable rural development.