Digital infrastructure and local food supply diversity: evidence from 257 Chinese prefecture-level cities
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction As food system governance increasingly emphasizes supply diversity, nutrition sensitivity, and sustainability, understanding the role of digital infrastructure in diversifying local food supplies has become important. This study examines whether digital infrastructure is associated with greater diversity across nutritionally relevant food categories in China. Methods We construct a Nutritional Food Supply Diversity (NFSD) index and analyze panel data from 257 Chinese prefecture-level cities over 2011 -2023. The analysis examines the association between digital infrastructure and NFSD, potential mechanisms, and heterogeneity across regional development levels, agricultural resource endowments, and urbanization levels. We also address potential endogeneity and conduct robustness checks. Results Digital infrastructure development is significantly and positively associated with NFSD. A one-standard-deviation increase in the digital infrastructure index is associated with an average increase of approximately 0.0664 index points in NFSD. This association remains robust after addressing potential endogeneity and conducting robustness checks. Mechanism analyses suggest three potential pathways: encouraging the entry of relevant businesses and service providers, thereby expanding producers’ channels of market participation; improving the matching of digital agricultural services; and strengthening feedback on food demand. The association varies with regional development, agricultural resource endowments, and urbanization. Discussion The findings suggest that assessments of the food system effects of digital infrastructure should consider both food quantities and the diversity of local supplies across nutritionally relevant categories. These effects appear to depend on the physical agricultural base, market conditions, and stages of urban development. This study provides an empirical framework for coordinating digital infrastructure development, adjustments to agricultural production structures, and policies promoting the diversity of the local food-supply base.
Authors: Chunyan Li, Chongtao Chen
Institutions: Northwest A&F University, Belarusian State University
Language: English
Subfield: Strategy and Management
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,353
OpenAlex ID: W7223562742