Labor constraints and technological change: How labor shortages accelerate the adoption of labor-saving technologies among smallholder farmers

Abstract

This study examines the constraints posed by labor shortages, rising costs, and regulatory barriers on the adoption of labor-saving technologies among facility vegetable farmers in China. Based on an empirical analysis of 1147 farm surveys, we find that labor cost and supply pressures significantly increase both the willingness and intensity of technology adoption, especially among larger farms and when supported by adaptable technology dissemination systems. In contrast, regulatory constraints exhibit a weaker influence, and existing government support measures prove ineffective. These findings suggest that policy reforms should focus on facilitating farm consolidation, strengthening organizational capacity, and developing context-specific technology extension systems to alleviate labor constraints and promote sustainable agricultural modernization.

Graphical Abstract

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