Abstract: Based on the provincial panel data of China from 2013 to 2022, the fixed-effect model and the mediating effect model were adopted to examine the impact and mechanism of digital rural construction on food security. The results showed that digital rural construction had a negative impact on food security as a whole, but the effects varied significantly in different regions. The construction of digital villages had significantly enhanced the level of food security in the western regions. However, it had a distinct inhibitory effect in the central regions, major grain-producing areas, and regions with lower human capital. In contrast, in the eastern regions, non-major grain-producing areas, and regions with higher human capital, its effect was relatively insignificant. While the construction of digital villages brought about the empowerment of digital technology, it also accelerated the flow of elements related to food. The two mechanisms of action interweaved with each other, presenting different impact results. Therefore, relevant measures and policies needed to be taken to reduce the outflow of grain factors, give full play to the positive role of digital village construction in promoting the empowerment of digital technology and the scale of land factors, and ensure food security.

Key words: food security, digital rural construction, digital technology, factor flow