Digital learning, social capital, and ICT utilization in strengthening young farmers' capacity for sustainable food systems in Indonesia

Strengthening the capacity of young farmers is essential for advancing sustainable food systems, particularly in countries where agricultural regeneration is declining. This study examines how digital learning, social capital, and information and communication technologies (ICT) utilization contribute to the development of young farmers' capacity in Indonesia, a key actor group for sustaining future food production. Using a quantitative survey of 281 respondents and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings demonstrate that digital learning significantly enhances ICT utilization, while both learning and social capital exert strong positive effects on young farmers' capacity. ICT utilization is also shown to mediate these relationships, indicating its strategic role in accelerating knowledge acquisition, decision-making, and innovation uptake. Although the study focuses on behavioral and communicative determinants, its implications extend to the broader transformation of sustainable food systems. Enhanced farmer capacity is closely linked to improved adoption of sustainable practices, better resource management, and strengthened local food security. These insights underscore the importance of investing in digital learning ecosystems and social capital networks to empower young farmers as drivers of sustainability within Indonesia's food system.