The Harvest: This Week in Rural China — Dispatch No. 1 (13 December 2024)

From Boar Wars to Village Football: Insights into Rural China this week.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Harvest, a weekly dispatch from This Week in Rural China. This platform is dedicated to exploring the complexities of rural China, offering insights into its ecological, social, and economic dynamics. For an overview of our mission, we encourage readers to visit our "Why Rural China Matters" page.

In this first issue, we examine diverse topics, including the ecological and policy implications of wild boar management, the cultural and economic impact of Guizhou's Village Super League, and the revival of Hong Kong's agricultural heritage. We also present critical perspectives on rural revitalisation strategies alongside discussions on pest control, desertification, and their broader implications. Together, these stories provide a lens into rural China’s transformation, highlighting its intertwinement with China’s wider future.

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We hope you enjoy the journey into the heart of rural China.

Wild Boar Management in Rural China: Ecological Concerns and Policy Implications

The wild boar population in China, estimated at over two million, has become a subject of media interest again this week, particularly following recent culling campaigns in areas such as Ningxia. At first glance, this number may appear substantial, but it is relatively modest in a country spanning 9.5 million square kilometres. For comparison, countries with smaller land areas, such as Germany and the United States, host populations of wild boars that far exceed China's. This disparity prompts a critical question: Is the wild boar a significant ecological threat, or has the issue been amplified to serve broader agricultural and political agendas?

China's historical approach to wildlife management has typically been one of eradication. Wildlife policy often prioritises short-term agricultural productivity over long-term ecological balance, from the mass extermination of sparrows during the "Four Pests" campaign to the near-total decimation of wolves in the northern steppes during the mid-20th century. The recent boar culling campaign, which has gained significant attention in state media, shifts a policy once focused on protecting wild boar to align with this historical pattern. Framed as a necessary measure to protect crops, it raises questions about the true motives behind the policy and the broader environmental implications.

While the official discourse highlights the damage caused by wild boars, it largely omits the ecological benefits these animals provide. Wild boars are important for seed dispersal and soil aeration, playing a role in maintaining the health of rural ecosystems. In this light, the growing boar population may indicate that some rural landscapes are recovering, albeit whilst challenging the agricultural practices of the past fifty years. This presents a dilemma: should the boars be removed entirely, or should efforts be made to integrate them into a more balanced ecological framework?

The Chinese government's shift from protecting wild boars to actively culling them reflects the country's broader historical tendency to pursue immediate solutions without considering the long-term ecological consequences. Some conservationists warn that this approach is unsustainable and may lead to cyclical patterns of overpopulation, followed by culling, and ultimately ecological instability. A more nuanced approach involving restoring natural predator populations and improving land management practices might offer a more sustainable solution.

The culling may temporarily relieve rural communities, but it does little to address the underlying issues of agricultural policy and rural development. These communities' persistent vulnerability to ecological threats is tied to systemic issues such as land tenure insecurity, limited access to modern agricultural practices, and the depopulation of rural areas. In this context, the wild boar, a symbol of habitat recovery, becomes a scapegoat for more profound agricultural and socio-economic challenges that must be comprehensively addressed.

The Village Super League: Football and Rural Culture in Southwest China

This week, the official Chinese state media has highlighted the Village Super League (VSL) in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, as a significant driver of rural cultural and economic revitalisation. Launched in May 2023, the VSL, a semi-amateur football league, has become a popular sporting event, drawing attention from across China and influencing cultural practices and the local economy. However, a closer examination reveals important nuances regarding the extent and sustainability of these claims, particularly about China's broader rural policy.

According to reports from local government sources, the VSL has contributed to a notable increase in both tourism and the local economy. Rongjiang County reportedly saw a 52% increase in tourism visits in 2023, alongside a 74% rise in tourism revenue. These figures, derived from official government statistics, suggest positive outcomes from the promotion of the VSL and knock on benefits for sales of traditional Miao embroidery and local cuisine. Notably, women in the Tehe Community, once limited to domestic work, can now generate income by crafting items such as earrings, bags, and scarves inspired by the VSL. This has allowed them to participate in the growing economy while, according to state media, preserving and promoting Miao cultural heritage.

While these developments seem promising, critical questions arise regarding the sustainability of such growth. The VSL, while fostering economic activity, has also become a focal point for more significant debates about rural development in China. The event's emphasis on local cultural practices raises concerns about the long-term viability of an economy that relies heavily on tourism and handicrafts. Furthermore, the focus on selling traditional products in a modern consumer marketplace could risk commodifying cultural practices in ways that erode their authenticity (see our article on self-orientalism in rural China here).

That said, the central role of the VSL in fostering community pride and cultural identity cannot be overstated. It also reminds us of the shifting dynamics between tradition and modernity in rural areas. Xu Bo, head of Rongjiang County, emphasises that the VSL is designed to integrate ethnic culture, intangible cultural heritage, and local cuisine to create a vibrant leisure economy. The economic boost associated with local dishes like "Niu Bie" beef hotpot, which has gained popularity among football fans and tourists, detract from the broader challenges facing rural economies and the actual impacts on the livelihoods of local farmers still need to be determined.

This week's coverage prompts further reflection on the efficacy of such events in rural revitalisation and whether they genuinely offer lasting solutions. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the VSL's implications for local communities, look out for an in-depth article this weekend.

Reviving Hong Kong's Agricultural Heritage: Rice Farming Beyond the Skyline

While Hong Kong is globally recognised for its iconic skyline and urban landscape, less attention is often paid to the agricultural practices that still thrive in its rural areas. Rice farming, once a cornerstone of local agriculture, continues on the city's outskirts despite rapid industrialisation. This ongoing tradition is exemplified by the work of Gift From Land, a project dedicated to resurrecting Hong Kong's lost rice varieties and preserving the region's agricultural heritage.

Founded in 2015, Gift From Land focuses on rehabilitating traditional rice species once cultivated in Hong Kong but largely abandoned as the city urbanised. In 2022, after retrieving rice seeds from international seed banks, the initiative successfully reintroduced three rice varieties to the fertile fields in Tai Po, in the New Territories. This effort aims to preserve historical crops and foster a deeper connection between Hong Kong's urban population and agricultural roots.

The project's significance extends beyond agriculture. As Vangi Fong, project manager of Gift From Land, notes, "Many are surprised to discover that there are still farmers cultivating rice in Hong Kong." As the project continues to cultivate rice and share its knowledge, it contributes to a growing movement that seeks to reconnect Hong Kong's people with their agricultural heritage, challenging the dominant image of Hong Kong as solely an urban hub.

The project's ultimate goal is to revive these rice varieties and compile a comprehensive Hong Kong Rice Catalogue, providing scientific evidence for the suitability of local species in modern farming. This effort is part of a broader citizen led attempt to reimagine the future of agriculture in Hong Kong, drawing attention to sustainability, food security, and the preservation of local knowledge in the face of rapid change.

Critical Analysis of Harry den Hartog's "A Walk Through China's New Model Countryside"

In his recent piece for Sixth Tone, "A Walk Through China's New Model Countryside," Harry den Hartog explores rural revitalisation efforts in Zhejiang Province. His article, which recounts his experiences walking through the province, reflects on the transformations underway as part of China's national rural revitalisation strategy. While den Hartog's narrative provides valuable insights into the region's environmental, social, and economic changes, it overlooks several critical aspects that would provide a more comprehensive understanding of China's rural policy and its broader implications.

Den Hartog presents Zhejiang as a model for rural revitalisation, noting the province's wealth and the central government's investment in its rural areas. This framing ties in with China's broader rural revitalisation strategy, which aims to reverse the demographic decline of rural areas, restore environmental integrity, and alleviate economic disparities between urban and rural regions. However, the success of Zhejiang's revitalisation efforts cannot be taken as representative of the entire country. While the province has benefited from substantial investment, rural revitalisation in other regions, particularly those in the less-developed western provinces, faces many challenges, including underfunded projects, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient local governmental support. Den Hartog's article, while insightful, does not sufficiently explore these regional disparities or the structural limitations of China's national rural policy.

The article significantly emphasises cultural and environmental tourism to revitalise rural economies. Den Hartog highlights the restoration of ancient walking paths and the development of local cultural enterprises as examples of how tourism can drive rural growth. While this has proven effective in some areas, the broader implications of such tourism-driven development still need to be explored (again, see our article on self-orientalism in rural China here). The rapid growth of tourism can lead to the commercialisation of rural culture, environmental degradation, and even displacement of residents. In this regard, den Hartog's optimism regarding rural tourism misses these potential adverse outcomes, particularly given the pressure to balance urbanisation with rural preservation. The growing influx of tourists often necessitates new infrastructure, such as hotels, parking lots, and restaurants, which can alter the very characteristics that make these rural areas attractive to visitors in the first place.

Den Hartog also advocates for walking as a research method, suggesting it allows for a deeper connection with local life. While this approach is commendable for its emphasis on local engagement, it risks oversimplifying the complexities of rural life in China. Walking through the countryside and conversing with residents can certainly offer valuable insights. However, it needs to address the deeper structural issues, such as local governance, land rights, and labour migration. The top-down nature of rural policy in China means that local communities often need more agency in implementing revitalisation efforts, even if they are nominally involved in the process. Moreover, issues such as the marginalisation of migrant workers and landless peasants, which often go unaddressed in rural development initiatives, are not explored in den Hartog's piece.

Finally, while den Hartog stresses the importance of community involvement in rural revitalisation, his article doesn’t sufficiently critique the centralised political structure that often constrains local decision-making. In China, rural revitalisation projects are frequently shaped by directives from the central government, leaving local communities with little autonomy in determining their development paths. While there are examples of bottom-up initiatives, these are often overshadowed by the overarching political agenda prioritising national objectives over local concerns. Den Hartog's failure to examine this dynamic results in an incomplete picture of the challenges facing rural areas in China.

In conclusion, while den Hartog's article provides an engaging account of rural revitalisation in Zhejiang Province, it needs a critical analysis of the broader political, economic, and social forces shaping rural development in China. A more nuanced exploration of the power dynamics between central and local governments and the risks associated with tourism-driven growth would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the rural revitalisation process in China.

Upgrading Rural Healthcare: From the Old Three Tools (老三样) to Modern Medical Services

This week, People's Daily highlighted recent efforts to improve rural healthcare, featuring the upgraded village clinic in Da Kong Village, Shandong Province. Once a basic facility reliant on traditional equipment ("老三样"), it has now been transformed into a modernised centre, equipped with diagnostic machines, rehabilitation devices, and air-conditioned rooms. This shift followed a 2022 visit by local government officials, who acknowledged the need for enhanced healthcare services in rural areas. Responding to concerns raised by local practitioners, the government increased funding and improved infrastructure while addressing the shortage of qualified medical staff by providing training and offering better benefits to village doctors. These reforms have significantly boosted healthcare access, with over 195,000 consultations in the county's village clinics in 2023 alone, making up more than half of the county's total diagnoses. However, despite these advances, concerns about the adequacy of medical resources and professional development persist beyond Da Kong Village, requiring continued attention to ensure the sustainability of these improvements in the long term.

Stemming the Spread of Fall Armyworm: A Technological Approach or a Short-Term Fix?"

This week several outlets have released stories on the spread of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a significant pest threatening global agriculture. In recent years, fall armyworm has become a serious concern, particularly for China's maize production. Since its first detection in Yunnan province in 2018, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) has led efforts to combat the pest using a combination of technological advancements, including high-resolution insect radar, biocontrol methods, and innovative pesticide application via drones. These measures, alongside extensive monitoring networks and early warning systems, have reportedly controlled the pest's spread and limited crop damage. However, while these strategies are successful, the long-term efficacy of such interventions remains to be determined. The fall armyworm's rapid migration patterns and developing resistance to chemical treatments highlight the ongoing challenge of eradicating the pest.

Additionally, the emphasis on technology-driven solutions raises questions about sustainability and the environmental impact of continued pesticide use despite claims of "green" methods. Despite recognising China's efforts by international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, scepticism about whether these measures can be replicated effectively in other regions, especially in countries with fewer resources, remains. As the pesticide use continues to evolve, the question persists: can these technological solutions keep pace with China’s green ambitions?

Desertification Control: A Success Story or Just a Band-Aid on a Bigger Problem?

This week, Chinese state media celebrated the nation's two awards from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The UNCCD, established in 1994, is the sole legally binding international agreement to address land degradation and desertification, focusing on Africa. While China's large-scale afforestation projects, such as the ecological barrier around the Taklamakan Desert, have led to significant environmental improvements, concerns remain regarding the long-term ecological sustainability of these initiatives. Monocultural plantations, for example, may threaten biodiversity and do little to address the root causes of desertification, such as unsustainable agricultural practices and overgrazing. Moreover, China's state-led, top-down approach, although effective within its political system, may not be easily replicated in African countries with different political or economic frameworks.

Additionally, China's rapid industrialisation, which has contributed to widespread environmental degradation, complicates its narrative of "green development." Furthermore, China's desertification control efforts abroad, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, could serve geopolitical interests more than sustainable environmental practices. Thus, while China's success in desertification control deserves recognition, it warrants a critical examination of broader ecological and geopolitical considerations than those being offered in state media.

Rural Elderly Care in China: Policy Integration and Local Challenges

In China, responsibility for addressing rural elderly care lies primarily with local governments, though national policies provide key guidance. According to an article posted on 5 December by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the central government has acknowledged the escalating issue of an ageing population, particularly in rural areas, and has begun steering resources toward integrating family-based care with community services. Beyond this, state media has underscored the importance of these policies and the role local authorities play in their implementation.

The tangible outcomes of this approach are expected to include the establishment of community-based care services, such as day-care centres for the elderly, and the recruitment of professional caregivers to work within these communities. However, the need for healthcare professionals in rural areas and the limited financial support from local governments raise questions about feasibility. The success of these services depends on the capacity of local communities to mobilise and effectively manage available resources, a task that varies considerably across different regions. While some improvements in service delivery are anticipated in the short term, the long-term sustainability of these measures remains to be determined with substantial investment and policy reforms at the local level.

Between Mountains and Waters - Photo of the Week for 13 December 2024

This image captures cherry blossoms in full bloom at the Cherry Blossom Valley located in Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, part of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. (Photo by Yang Guangyu)

Yang Guangyu. "Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Nanjian Yi Autonomous County." People's Daily, December 13, 2024, http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/1213/c90000-20253547.html.