The Agricultural–Ecological Benefit of Digital Inclusive Finance Development: Evidence from Straw Burning in China

Abstract

This study provides theoretical and empirical evidence for the agricultural–ecological benefits of digital inclusive finance development. We analyzed the satellite resolution data of agricultural fires and an aggregate development index of digital inclusive finance at the county level in China from 2014 to 2016. The regression analysis demonstrated that digital inclusive finance development can inhibit straw burning, and that the inhibiting effect is more effective in agriculture-oriented counties located in the plain area of the eastern-central developed regions. Additionally, the influence mechanism, whereby digital inclusive finance development may reduce straw burning by improving agricultural mechanization, was also examined. The impact of digital inclusive finance on green agriculture production needs to be explored further since it is a revolutionary mode of financial development.