The village of Xinshou in Zhaotong, Yunnan faces a real challenge when it comes to water. Perched 670 meters up a hillside, residents mainly depend on wells and water tanks. With rising temperatures and droughts, these tanks can run dry, disproportionately affecting the elderly. This issue has led to over 40 water-related disputes in just 2023.
Yang Fang, a project officer at Zhaotong Yongqing, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable groups, notes that villagers used to collect rainwater runoff from fields. Recently, the organization has been conducting research on how climate change affects local water availability. They’ve created a program to help villagers adapt to these changes.
China has been hit hard by climate change. A report highlighted that the country suffered more than half of the world’s agricultural losses connected to disasters between 2008 and 2018. The elderly, women, and children are particularly at risk. Fortunately, rural communities are finding adaptive solutions, often with support from NGOs like Yang Fang’s organization.
In the severe summer of 2022, Xinshou faced multiple days of intense heat beyond 40°C. Yang Fang realized the need to understand climate change better to aid the elderly suffering from the heat. This situation tragically resulted in some fatalities among older residents.
To address climate risks, Yang attended training that equipped her with tools to assess these dangers. The experts have adapted methods from the United Nations, focusing not just on numbers but also on local experiences.
In response to water scarcity, Xinshou has formed a committee of 30 members to oversee water usage. They’ve pinpointed households in dire need, providing them with water tanks and barrels. The villagers are now collaborating to locate new sources of water, leading to fewer conflicts and a stronger community bond.
Over 1,000 kilometers away in Guangzhou’s Conghua district, Liao Fenglian is experiencing a similar evolution in her work focused on community development. Initially centered on sustainable agriculture, her organization faced challenges caused by climate change, such as pest outbreaks. Many young people left for jobs in cities, leaving an aging agricultural workforce behind. Recognizing these shifts, Liao focused on educating villagers about climate impacts, helping them adopt adaptive farming practices.
For instance, the team decided to promote green plums, a low-maintenance crop ideal for the region. This fruit matures outside of heat and flooding seasons, making it easier for older farmers to manage. They’ve also formed cooperatives, allowing villagers to sell crops collectively for better prices. As a result, annual sales have skyrocketed in just a few years.
Both Yang and Liao have been trained by Shen Dingfang, who runs the Mueang-Nam Sustainable Development Services Centre. Shen has seen a growing demand for climate training among grassroots organizations, which now realize the importance of including climate adaptation in their project proposals.
However, many rural organizations still struggle with funding and staffing. An internal survey revealed that half of these organizations earn less than CNY 500,000 annually, limiting their ability to hire qualified staff. They often need assistance from international funding channels to overcome these financial hurdles.
Overall, rural communities in China are slowly shifting to address climate challenges. With the emergence of grassroots programs and cooperative efforts, there’s a growing realization that adapting to climate change is not just a necessity but a collective responsibility.
For further insights on climate adaptation strategies, you can refer to the China National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
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Climate adaptation,Extreme weather,Farming
