Miaojia Village Model: Pioneering Rural Renaissance through Building Novel Community
Challenges and Objectives
Located in Zhejiang, China, Miaojia Village was facing a number of pressing challenges, such as limited resources, economic stagnation, and the absence of a prominent industry. In response to these challenges, the Miaojia Village New Rural Community Agglomeration Project was initiated with the aim of transforming the village. Under the guidance of the Village Committee's leadership, the project brought together scattered farmhouses on scarce land, attracted investments, and envisioned a novel rural community. This grand vision went beyond just development; it aimed to synergize diverse stakeholders, integrate digital tools, and optimize governance efficiency, while fostering enduring well-being and a strong sense of identity.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The Village Committee played a vital role in driving economic growth and optimizing land resources. They worked closely with various stakeholders such as external and local companies, care service organizations, village collective cooperatives, grid personnel, and village representatives to foster a shared commitment towards success. Their efforts went beyond just governance and ensured harmony among diverse perspectives. The remarkable support rates for village cadres (94.58% in 2022) are a testament to this collaborative effort.
Revitalisation Activities
The village representatives played a crucial role in ensuring coordinated governance of village affairs and making wise decisions for the welfare of the rural community. The Village Collective Cooperative prioritized cultivating agricultural excellence, creating a unique "Nong Hao" brand to enhance market visibility and the village's identity. The village grid attendants acted as the vigilant pulse of the community, ensuring safety and fostering communication. The care provided to the elderly and children was enhanced with the help of social organizations like "Xuncai" under the guidance of the village committee.
Revitalisation Outcome
Miaojia's landscape witnessed a harmonious transformation. Individual dividends soared from less than 1,000 RMB to an impressive 53,000 RMB in 2022. Village collective income surged from 5 million RMB to an impressive 14.2 million RMB in 2022. The Village Committee's orchestration extended beyond economic initiatives, optimizing land resources, and improving welfare benefits.
Miaojia Village was selected for the "Future Village" Program in Zhejiang Province, and it emerged as a vibrant and recognized community with improved living conditions, enhanced welfare dividends, and a newfound sense of identity.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Jin Liu. For further information, please email Tsinghua University’s China Institute for Rural Studies at cirs@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.