Impact of E-Governance on China’s Agricultural Modernization: A Case Study of One Village One Product
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Abstract
This study investigates the impacts of electronic governance (e-governance) on the modernization of agricultural practices within China's One Village One Product (OVOP) initiative. The research is grounded in a qualitative analysis, drawing on in-depth interviews with diverse stakeholders including government officials, program operators, farmers, and agricultural experts. The paper explores how e-governance has been integrated into China's Rural Vitalization Strategy, focusing on its role in enhancing agricultural productivity, farmer incomes, and sustainable rural development. The findings reveal that e-governance facilitates improved administrative efficiency, access to market information, and collective action among small-scale farmers. It also underscores the pivotal role of e-governance in streamlining operations, providing real-time data, and opening larger markets for local agricultural products, thus fostering community resilience and market influence. However, the article also addresses the challenges posed by e-governance, such as the digital divide and the potential overreliance on technology, which could exacerbate disparities and introduce vulnerabilities. The study concludes that while e-governance has significantly influenced agricultural modernization and empowered rural communities, it necessitates a balanced approach to technology integration, ensuring equitable access and data security to maintain the trust and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
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