Digital literacy of joint liability group(JLG) of kudumbasree women farmers in northern Kerala: an empirical assesment

Abstract

Agriculture in India is undergoing rapid digital transformation, reshaping how farmers access information, obtain inputs, and engage with markets. Despite these advancements, rural women farmers continue to face substantial challenges in participating in the digital ecosystem due to limited awareness, restricted access, and inadequate institutional support. This digital divide is particularly evident among the Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of Kudumbashree in Kerala, where collective farming is widespread but digital engagement remains inconsistent. In this context, the present study entitled “Digital literacy of Joint Liability Group (JLG) of Kudumbashree women farmers in Northern Kerala: An empirical assessment” was undertaken to assess the extent of digital literacy, analyse behavioural determinants influencing digital literacy behaviour, identify major constraints, and propose context-specific policy measures to strengthen digital inclusion. The study was conducted across seven districts of Northern Kerala Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur representing diverse agro- ecological and socio-cultural environments. An ex post facto research design was adopted, and 140 JLG women farmers were selected through multistage random sampling. Primary data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule that captured socio-economic characteristics and the three dimensions of digital literacy knowledge, skill, and attitude along with behavioural constructs guided by technology adoption theories. The analytical procedures included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Garrett’s ranking technique, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using SmartPLS 4 to examine causal and predictive relationships. Digital literacy was conceptualised as a composite of digital knowledge, digital skill, and digital attitude. Results showed that most JLG women farmers possessed a moderate level of digital literacy, reflecting partial exposure to digital tools but a strong willingness to adopt digital innovations. Among the three dimensions, digital attitude emerged as the most prominent, indicating positive perceptions toward technology. Factor analysis further validated this dimension, confirming a unidimensional structure with a single dominant factor explaining 77.36% of the total variance.

Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between digital literacy and socio-economic variables such as education, income, social participation, mass media exposure, and training experience. These findings emphasise the importance of socio- economic empowerment and institutional interaction in enhancing digital engagement among women. The Structural Equation Model incorporated seven latent constructs: Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Personal Innovativeness, Task Characteristics, and Technological Characteristics. The model demonstrated strong reliability and validity, explaining 52.2% of the variance in Digital Literacy Behaviour (DLB), with a predictive relevance (Q²) value of 0.310. Among the predictors, Effort Expectancy, Facilitating Conditions, and Personal Innovativeness had significant positive effects, highlighting the role of perceived usefulness, supportive infrastructure, and individual readiness to experiment with technology. Constraint analysis using Garrett’s ranking technique identified limited training opportunities as the most critical barrier, followed by high internet costs, lack of local mentorship, and limited government initiatives. Additional educational, economic, and psychological barriers including fear of technology, low confidence, and dependence on others further restricted independent digital use. Based on these insights, the study proposes several policy recommendations such as establishing community-based digital mentorship networks, conducting regular capacity- building programmes tailored to women farmers, developing Malayalam-based agricultural applications, integrating digital literacy modules into Kudumbashree training curricula, promoting public–private ICT partnerships, and setting up local digital helpdesks. Incentivising digitally active JLGs is also suggested to encourage wider participation. In conclusion, while JLG women farmers in Northern Kerala demonstrate a positive orientation toward digital technologies, their engagement is hindered by structural, economic, and psychological constraints. Strengthening digital literacy through inclusive and context-specific interventions can empower women farmers to become active digital participants, contributing to more equitable and resilient agricultural development in Kerala.