How extensive and coordinated is farmers’ participation in agricultural value chains in China? Evidence from contractual–digital chain coupling

Integrating smallholders into modern agricultural value chains is essential for agricultural modernization and rural development. Using survey data from the China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), this study examines farmers’ participation in contractual and digital chains. An entropy-based index system is constructed to measure the depth of participation in both chains, and a coupling coordination model is employed to evaluate their interaction and coordinated development. The results indicate that the participation levels of Chinese farmers in both contractual and digital chains remain relatively low, although participation in digital chains is generally higher than that in contractual chains. The degree of coupling coordination between the two chains falls within the category of “slightly unbalanced,” suggesting considerable scope for improving systemic coordination. Further analysis reveals substantial heterogeneity in contractual-chain participation among farmers, whereas digital-chain participation exhibits comparatively lower inequality, despite persistent disparities in the distribution of digital engagement. However, the disparity in the coupling and synergistic development between the contractual and digital chains is relatively limited. These differences are associated with farmer heterogeneity and regional variation in chain participation. Within the surveyed sample, eastern regions demonstrate relatively higher participation in digital chains but comparatively weaker participation in contractual chains, resulting in lower levels of coupling coordination. In contrast, southern regions, benefiting from relative advantages in both chains, exhibit higher levels of coupling coordination. This study clarifies the developmental stage of farmers’ participation in contractual and digital chains and their coupling coordination, offering new insights into Chinese agricultural practices and the process of agricultural modernization.