Good Rural Food
Challenges and Objectives
The "Good Rural Food" initiative, running from 2022 to December 31, 2023, was centered in Punan Village within Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan. The project, facilitated by the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau and General Forest Co., Ltd., aimed to harness the diverse landscapes of farmlands, wetlands, and aquaculture to revitalize the rural economy. Its primary goals involved identifying local specialties and unifying them for joint marketing to drive economic growth. However, challenges emerged, notably the declining population, especially among young adults, which prompted government subsidies to encourage their presence in the area. Excessive groundwater usage also posed issues, causing land subsidence and seawater intrusion. To combat this, the project pivoted to cultivating seawater species and reducing reliance on groundwater. Furthermore, inexperienced youth returning to the area received training and consultations to effectively contribute to the project's objectives.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The "Good Rural Food" project involves diverse partners like the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau, Renzi Co., Ltd., local villagers, Daisho no Mori Co., Ltd., and the Yunlin County Government. Villagers share traditional knowledge; Renzi Co., Ltd. aids in fish farming rehab, and the Yunlin County Government supports and endorses the approach. Externally, the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau provides funds, while Daisho no Mori Co., Ltd. facilitates communication and leases fields for farming.
The collaboration began in 2015 to invigorate rural industries, facing challenges like population decline and land subsidence. The trust initially rated moderate but steadily improved with promising activities. Interactions, primarily face-to-face, aimed at industrial growth and knowledge exchange. Concerns about product competition and pricing arose but were addressed through diversified funding, easing conflicts. The collaboration closely coordinated with the government, facilitating impactful knowledge sharing. Over time, it fostered significant trust and commitment, mediating conflicts and offering stability in income. These successes highlight promising avenues for further stakeholder engagement and enhancements.
Revitalisation Activities
The project took a dynamic approach across economy, environment, and society fronts, breathing new life into the village. On the economic front, it cooked up tantalizing creations like Polygonum multiflorum soup and Kabayaki eel, not to mention igniting tourism, marketing endeavors, and local job opportunities, all while safeguarding the essence of rural traditions.
Environmentally, it fostered a green revolution by cultivating a rich tapestry of crops and leveraging photosynthetic bacteria to purify water, warding off pesky algae. Socially, it played matchmaker to the village, luring the youth, building community bonds, and nurturing unique local industries. This pioneering effort isn't just a transformation for this village; it's a beacon of inspiration for rural communities far and wide.
Revitalisation Outcome
The rural revitalization project reaped impressive outcomes, yielding two new products, six educational courses, and invaluable expert consultations while allocating a substantial working capital subsidy. This initiative wasn't just about financial metrics but sought broader societal, environmental, and economic enhancements.
Beyond the numbers, this endeavor transformed the community landscape. It harnessed agricultural refunds to fuse resources, bolstering rural industries and enticing youth back to their roots. The project, although not self-sustaining, laid the groundwork for a future rural business mentoring program, aiming to guide and support budding entrepreneurs in establishing sustainable enterprises.
Key takeaways for future initiatives include recognizing youth as crucial drivers of rural development, particularly in product innovation and market expansion. Empowering and involving the younger generation emerged as a linchpin for sustained growth and market dynamism in rural settings.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Hung Yu-Chun. For further information, please email Chengchi University’s University Outreach Office at agridive@g.nccu.edu.tw.