The Apple of the Eye

Challenges and Objectives

The project "The Apple of the Eye" is in Muzhi village, Sanba Naxi Township, Xianggelila City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Northwest Yunnan, China. The withering of the countryside and a series of social problems including hollowing out, empty nest elderly, left-behind children, and other problems were the challenges faced by the village. Most of the land in the village was abandoned. The development of agriculture was in urgent need for revitalization.

With an emphasis on long-term advantages for local residents, the project's goal is to create a framework for rural revitalization that is both sustainable and powerful. The initiative hopes to establish a system that supports rural communities' continuous creative growth, self-sufficiency, and resilience in addition to meeting their urgent needs. The program aims to assist the ongoing development and sustainability of rural areas by highlighting the need of consistent, fundamental support as opposed to intermittent or ambitious, short-term initiatives. The ultimate objective is to empower local people so they may prosper and direct their own development, creating a long-lasting effect on the neighborhood and the surrounding area.

Collaboration Partners and Roles

Through encouraging investment promotion, Sanba Naxi Township introduced an agricultural technology company to the village. The company established an orchard “Haba Zhaungyuan” in late 2019 according to the local context and applied modern technology in farming. The various collaborating parties include Muzhi Village Committee, the city level governmental department of Xianggelila City, and the different families and individuals of the village.

Revitalisation Activities

Haba Zhaungyuan brings a positive interaction between the enterprise and the villagers by maintaining monthly temporary employment opportunity for villagers, especially the housewives of the village, and by providing permanent employment positions for villagers.

The project encourages individuals to contemplate the cooperation's vision, the importance of rural regeneration, and the grand scheme of things by organizing frequent seminars, lectures, and workshops that address these subjects. The revival of rural areas is contingent upon the instruction and replenishment of both knowledge and skills, as they are profoundly interconnected. It supports the future workforce, information, and broader networks in order to establish a system that supports the future sustainability of rural revitalization.

Revitalisation Outcome

After two years of project implementation, Haba Zhaungyuan has brought employment for 99 village households, with an average annual household income increase of RMB 10,000. The project has accomplished a number of significant achievements:

1. Capacity Building: The initiative provided participants with vital skills and information via training, seminars, and mentoring programs. These measures have improved the ability of citizens, local leaders, and stakeholders to manage rural regeneration activities.

2. Knowledge Sharing: By disseminating critical knowledge, the initiative has developed a culture of learning among participants, allowing citizens to use new insights to enhance their lives and communities.

3. Networking Opportunities: The initiative has effectively linked a variety of stakeholders—local people, government agencies, NGOs, and other organizations—helping to form a strong network that will continue to assist rural development efforts into the future. The rural rehabilitation initiative has been effectively maintained, with mechanisms and institutions in place to assure its continued operation. This involves establishing local governance structures and incorporating the program into regional development plans.

4. Positive Impact on Residents and Village: The community has received tangible advantages such as enhanced infrastructure, increased access to resources, and economic possibilities. Residents' quality of life has improved as a result of increased access to education, healthcare, and job options customized to local requirements.

5. Community Engagement: The local community has continued to actively participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that the program serves their needs and adapts to changing conditions. The participative approach has increased the program's effect and local ownership.

6. Firsthand Experiences and the Foundation for Future Collaboration: Participants' firsthand experiences and opinions on the rural revitalization initiative have offered significant insights into what works, what obstacles exist, and where changes are required. These observations were acquired via surveys, interviews, and group discussions, which helped to enhance the program.

7. Building a Collaborative Network: The initiative has created the framework for future cooperation by fostering cross-sector partnerships among local governments, commercial sector players, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Participants' shared experiences have built trust and collaboration, creating a climate conducive to long-term, collaborative endeavors.

8. Foundation for Scalability and Expansion: The results and lessons acquired during the program's first phase have laid a solid platform for expanding revitalization efforts to additional rural communities. The insights gathered from this collaborative experience will be useful in building future efforts that are more efficient, effective, and sustainable.

These findings reflect considerable progress toward the rural revitalization project's aims. The skills, networks, and experiences learnt by participants will continue to propel the program forward, assuring the success and development of rural communities.

This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Associate Fellow Yifan Zhang. For further information, please email Tsinghua University’s China Institute for Rural Studies at cirs@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.