The spatial impact of digitalization on carbon emission intensity in agricultural production: empirical evidence from rural China

Purpose This study investigates the relationship between digitalization and agricultural carbon intensity from 2006 to 2021. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2021, this study employs a threshold and a spatial Durbin model to investigate the relationship between digitalization and agricultural carbon intensity. In addition, a heterogeneity analysis was conducted to understand variations across regions. Findings The study used threshold models and spatial Durbin models to reveal that in agricultural production, digitalization can significantly reduce the carbon emission intensity of planting and livestock production. Through the threshold effect, it was found that the effectiveness of digitization in curbing emissions varies by region and is influenced by the level of urbanization, with the inhibitory effect being: western > central > eastern. In addition, through spatial analysis, it was found that the impact of digitalization on carbon emission intensity has significant spatial effects, presenting a “high-high” and “low-low” clustering pattern. Moreover, through the Durbin model, digitization exhibits a significant negative spatial impact on the planting industry, and the development of the local digitalization can significantly reduce the carbon emission intensity of the planting industry in neighboring areas. There is a significant positive spatial effect on livestock production, and the development of local digitalization will, to some extent, increase the carbon emission intensity of livestock production in neighboring areas. This study underscores the critical importance of digitalization in reducing agricultural carbon emissions and highlights the necessity for tailored digital strategies that consider regional characteristics and urbanization levels. Practical implications This study shows the critical importance of digitalization in reducing agricultural carbon emissions and highlights the necessity for tailored digital strategies that consider regional characteristics and urbanization levels. Originality/value This paper pioneers the investigation of the spatial impact of digitalization on agricultural carbon emissions using provincial-level panel data and classifies agriculture into planting and livestock production. This study contributes to the literature by filling the research gap and enhancing our understanding of the relationship between digitalization and environmental sustainability in rural areas.