How does digital financial inclusion promote the development of agricultural modernization?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of digital financial inclusion and its sub-dimensions on agricultural modernization, clarify the specific pathways through which digital financial inclusion empowers agricultural modernization and assess its effects on agricultural productivity and sustainable development. Additionally, the study aims to identify and analyze potential obstacles encountered in this process and propose corresponding solutions. Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021 to calculate the agricultural modernization index using the entropy weight method. It empirically analyzes the role of digital financial inclusion in promoting agricultural modernization and delves into the mechanisms by which digital financial inclusion affects agricultural modernization. Findings The findings are as follows: (1) Digital financial inclusion and its sub-dimensions have a significant positive impact on agricultural modernization. (2) Regional heterogeneity exists in this impact, with the eastern region benefiting most prominently, followed by the central region. (3) Digital financial inclusion enhances agricultural modernization by alleviating information asymmetry, improving financial service accessibility, boosting agricultural productivity and optimizing resource allocation efficiency. Originality/value The contributions of this paper are as follows: (1) This study not only provides theoretical support for understanding the intrinsic mechanisms of digital financial inclusion but also offers practical guidance on how to effectively utilize digital financial tools to promote agricultural development. (2) By using China as a case study, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies are applied in agricultural modernization and their outcomes. It also offers specific strategic recommendations and implementation pathways for other countries and regions to develop digital financial inclusion.