THE IMPACT OF NETWORK READINESS INDEX INDICATORS ON THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Abstract

This study explores the impact of the Network Readiness Index (NRI) on the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on upper middle-income, lower middle-income and low income countries. While previous research has examined the relationship between digital infrastructure and overall economic development, this paper is among the first to quantitatively analyze the connection between specific NRI sub-indicators and agricultural productivity. Using regression analysis, the study finds that variables such as internet domain registration, online access to financial accounts, mobile application development, and government online services significantly influence GDP per capita (PPP). Furthermore, rural digital payment adoption and mobile app development were found to have a positive effect on the value added per agricultural worker. These findings underscore the importance of targeted digital transformation policies for enhancing agricultural productivity and suggest that incorporating NRI metrics into agricultural policy design can support more effective rural development strategies