Agricultural Worker Digital Divide
The digital divide among agricultural workers represents a significant barrier to accessing essential resources and services, exacerbating existing disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. Results from a recent internet survey with farmworkers shows that the majority rely on cellular data and only 14% reported having access to cable, fiber optic or other wired internet. With limited broadband internet access, need for ongoing digital training and support, agricultural workers and their families face challenges in accessing telemedicine, emergency communications, educational resources, and social connections. Many farmworkers reside in rural areas with inadequate infrastructure, leading to a stark disparity in digital inclusion, a “super” social determinant of health. Bridging this divide is essential for promoting health equity, empowering economic advancement, and fostering social inclusion among agricultural workers and their communities.
Background on NCFHP’s efforts to address Digital Inclusion
Amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the NC Farmworker Health Program (NCFHP) recognized the urgent need to sustain its trusted in-person community health worker model. However, agricultural workers faced heightened vulnerability to COVID-19 due to their exposure risks. To address this challenge, NCHFP applied for funds from the CARES Act 2020 & ARPA 2021 and allocated a portion to launch the Internet Connectivity Project. This initiative aimed to bridge the digital gap by increasing internet access for farmworkers, facilitating access to essential services such as telemedicine, social support, and education. Key activities included hotspot distribution, reimbursement to farms for providing internet in migrant housing, working closely with NC State/ECU to develop digital literacy resources, and the formation of the NC Agriculture Digital Alliance.
With support from East Carolina University, a process evaluation was conducted to assess the project’s impact, challenges, and benefits. The findings were published in the report titled “Digital Inclusion for Farmworkers in a Pandemic: The North Carolina Farmworker Health Program Internet Connectivity Project, 2020‒2021.” This evaluation led NCFHP to broaden its focus beyond internet access, to encompass digital literacy, device access and digital health
Current Initiatives to Advance Digital Equity
Through the Interagency Office of Digital Equity & Literacy (July 2023-June 2025), we’re extending our hotspot lending program for farmworkers and with the NC Agromedicine Institute, relaunching the migrant housing internet connectivity reimbursement program. Collaborating closely with the NC Broadband Infrastructure Office, we’re crafting a comprehensive report on affordable broadband access in migrant housing. Additionally, we’re launching digital readiness training for community health workers supporting farmworkers.
As proud recipients of NIH ComPass funding (October 2023 – September 2033), the aim is to test the health effects of increasing agricultural workers’ internet access to improve telehealth models. The intervention will allow for better use of virtual health care delivery systems. Improved access to internet for agricultural workers could contribute to improved management of chronic medical conditions, including mental health, by facilitating greater accessibility to healthcare services in rural areas. Working with research partners at East Carolina and NC State University, we’re conducting a comprehensive community assessment to understand digital challenges and resources. Pilot structural interventions will follow, tested before full implementation.
We’re dedicated to supporting digital equity and inclusion for farmworkers, and we’re grateful for our collaborative partnerships driving these initiatives forward.