Digital credit and insurance: Improving economic well-being for rural households

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies in credit and insurance services has important implications for the economic well-being of rural households. This paper utilizes cross-sectional data from a 2022 survey conducted with 476 rural households in China to explore the influence of digitally coordinated credit and insurance (DCCI) on economic well-being. Results indicate that DCCI significantly enhances both net incomes and farm incomes of rural households. Particularly, younger households, those engaged with digital technologies, and those facing high natural risks see greater benefits. Additionally, we find that reducing credit rationing and enhancing risk resilience are key mechanisms through which DCCI improves economic outcomes. The robustness of these results is confirmed through various analytical methods and measures. This study highlights the important role of digital transformation in the credit and insurance sectors for fostering economic growth in the rural sectors of emerging markets.