According to the China Human Development Report, Guizhou‘s human development index ranks second lowest in China. About 85% of the population is engaged in agriculture and some 40% belongs to ethnic minority groups. The dominant drive towards large scale production, commercialisation and privatisation of natural resources has threatened the survival of many traditional crop varieties. Small farmers have become more vulnerable as they engage increasingly in the growing of cash crops and are thus subjected to the fluctuation of market prices. As in many other places, cohesion of poor rural communities is in rapid decline due to the continuous out-migration of young and able workers for better education and livelihood opportunities in cities nearby and far away. Meanwhile, the economically driven development trend threatens the survival of Guizhous’s rich and diversified ethnic cultures.
Ecology, culture and livelihoods
For these communities to live sustainably, alternative livelihood strategies and income sources are needed. One way to meet this need is by using community networks to develop the local economies. PCD’s programmes in Guizhou have helped to boost the motivation and capacity of communities to take on ecological agriculture, to form farmer’s networks to foster exchanges and learning, and to reconnect to their cultural and ecological heritage. Efforts have been made to improve communities’ access to and management of ecological and economic resources through livelihood improvements and capacity building initiatives.
PCD continuously strives to promote ecological agriculture and improve opportunities for rural livelihoods to foster sustainable living. We will continue to provide and support training opportunities and platforms for information exchanges to encourage reflection on culture and development, especially at the community level. We support local communities in the ethnically diverse region of Southeast Guizhou to take action to re-affirm and preserve their cultural roots and embrace ecological principles and community spirit.
