Simola Wa Benefits From Economic Spillover of Poverty Eradication Programme

From Siti Zanariah Nor Zin

TENGCHONG (China), June 18 (Bernama) – From a village that used to depend on subsistence farming, Simola Wa Village in Qingshui town, Yunnan Province, has since come to exemplify how a poverty eradication policy has successfully altered the lives of rural communities.

The transformation of the Wa ethnic village not only brought with it an increase in resident incomes, but also created new job opportunities, boosted entrepreneurship, and reduced the migration of youth to the city.

Qingshui Deputy Mayor Zhao Jiaqing said prior to the implementation of the poverty eradication programme, most of the villagers depended solely on agriculture produce such as paddy and corn that are very much influenced by weather conditions.

“At that time, the people lived in such a way that they only had enough to support their own families. Many also had to leave the village in search of jobs in the city because of the lack of economic opportunities here,” he told a delegation of Asia Pacific media during their recent visit the village.

He said change began to take shape when the government introduced various initiatives to eradicate poverty, including upgrading basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and drainage, in addition to the provision of assistance to the villagers to boost economic activities.

According to Zhao, the approach used was not limited to financial assistance, but emphasised on the personal development of the residents such as equipping them with training and skills. 

“There are 73 households with some 300 residents who can now work at cafes, run homestays, open souvenir shops, or operate own businesses.

“The poverty eradication programme not only helped the residents increase their incomes, but also changed their way of thinking to see the potentials in themselves,” he said.

Aside from tourism, the residents also cultivated crops in a more systematic way through the village cooperative, enabling higher production and expanding market reach. 

Cafe operator Luo Ai Yan, 45, said the poverty eradication and rural rehabilitation programme has brought a sea change to her life and the lives of those around her. Previously, they were dependent on agriculture to survive.

“Now I work at a cafe in this village and at the same time operate my own homestay. The government also provided free seeds, allowing us to generate better income,” she said.

For restaurant operator Yang Caiqin, 59, the increase in tourists coming to the village to enjoy local food has benefitted her business.

“It used to be that most of our customers were the villagers, but now more tourists are coming here to eat. I’m happy to see this village becoming more lively. Our business also benefitted from the rising tourism,” she said.

Simola Wa Village was declared poverty-free in 2020, in tandem with China’s announcement of a successful eradication of hardcore poverty all over the country.

The achievement has also influenced the younger generation, with more choosing to stay and work in their villages, following a rise in job opportunities.

Last year, the village received some 640,000 tourists, making hospitality and tourism the main driver of the local economy, while culture contributed to some 10 per cent of the village economy.

-- BERNAMA