Promotion of Rural Regeneration: Rural Up

Challenges and Objectives

The Soil and Water Conservation Bureau's initiative, "Promotion of Rural Regeneration: Rural Up", launched in 2011, spans 4,232 rural villages across Taiwan. Enacted under the Rural Regeneration Act, the project aims to rejuvenate local economies, bolster industries, generate employment, and encourage population return, ultimately striving for a balanced demographic distribution across Taiwan. This act was designed to counter challenges like population migration, agricultural decline, and weakened rural communities. It focuses on implementing rural regeneration projects through legal frameworks, the Rural Regeneration Fund, and strategic planning, with collaborative oversight from the National Development Council (NDC) and the Executive Yuan.

This endeavor relies on close collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including the NDC, the Executive Yuan, the Council of Agriculture, and specifically, the Soil and Water Conservation Bureau. These bodies work collectively to coordinate rural planning, resource allocation, and project implementation, emphasizing cross-ministerial collaboration and support. However, the project confronts several hurdles, notably inadequate infrastructure in some regions, talent outflow from rural areas, weak community organization, and communication gaps between generations. Overcoming these challenges necessitates holistic cooperation, ranging from infrastructure development to fostering intergenerational dialogue, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening community networks.

Collaboration Partners and Roles

Collaborating for rural regeneration involves a diverse mix of partners: indigenous villagers driving projects and sharing traditional wisdom; businesses contributing jobs, economic support, and expertise; and new settlers bringing fresh innovation. External associations like the NDC guide strategies, while the COA oversees and local governments understand regional needs. Academic and social entities offer technical aid and promote projects. Rooted in Taiwan's Rural Regeneration Act since 2010, this initiative targets population decline and agricultural hurdles. Trust thrives on transparent communication and tangible results, broadening engagement.

Partners regularly convene to share progress and resolve concerns. Rules ensure compliance and cultural preservation, affecting reward payments. Funding from the National Development Fund supports collaborations, requiring technical know-how and community engagement. Spearheading efforts, SWCB disseminates project insights. Though no formal evaluations occurred, trust, understanding, and consensus on actions improved. Future plans prioritize community involvement, education, and sustainability for seamless implementation and community growth.

Revitalisation Activities

Rural revival spans economy, environment, society, and innovation. Economically, it supports businesses, expands production, and endorses 256 unique rural products and visitor experiences in 74 communities. Environmentally, it upgrades rural infrastructure with over 1,000 initiatives. Socially, talent programs engage 2,000 individuals, preserving cultural skills through competitions for 56 communities.

Innovation thrives in talent cultivation, fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and communities. By empowering rural talent, leveraging technology, and promoting entrepreneurship, it drives rural development. Recognized with the 2023 MUSE Design Conceptual Design - Education Gold Award, this initiative pioneers a sustainable model for rural prosperity.

Revitalisation Outcome

The Rural Regeneration Program showcased diverse successes in rural areas through educational initiatives, cultural preservation, and collaborations, fostering participation and skill enhancement. Programs like the Youth Stay-in-Rural Areas Series received accolades, reflecting their positive impact. Efforts in talent cultivation and cultural preservation diversified rural resources, empowering communities and creating opportunities.

These initiatives aim to engage professionals, encourage innovative research, and integrate rural themes into education, fostering connections and visions among stakeholders. Despite the ongoing project for over a decade, its self-sustainability relies on central funds for talent cultivation. Ongoing progress highlights the need for a holistic approach to rural development beyond population issues. Key aspects like industry guidance, product selection, experiential services, and collaborative promotion with travel agencies stand out. The takeaways stress comprehensive thinking, continuous learning, innovative practices, and community collaboration as vital for successful rural revitalization, offering valuable lessons for similar projects.

This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Lin Xuan-Jin. For further information, please email Chengchi University’s University Outreach Office at agridive@g.nccu.edu.tw.