Zuoquan: The On-target Poverty Alleviation Model

Photovoltaic panels are installed on rooftops, generating extra incomes for families living beneath the poverty line.[Photo by Zheng Liang]

Take Root and Prosper

Considering the scale of the poor population – about 30,000 – helping them cast off poverty, keep pace with the country’s development, and live a better life is a challenging task. Developing industries that could benefit maximized villages and their populations, therefore, offers a dynamic way to effect on-target poverty alleviation.

“Zuoquan sets great store on developing a collective economy and cooperatives which could become the new mainstay of the economy. We also formulate precise measures in line with specific situations,” said Dou Junxiu, director of the Poverty Alleviation Office of Zuoquan County. He introduced the five key industries related to poverty reduction in the county, namely, walnut planting, cultivation of grains other than wheat and rice, large-scale breeding, greenhouse vegetable planting, and cultivation of TCM materials. “Thus far there are about 1,000 economic cooperatives and some 40 collective farms,” said Dou. “They offer the poor population diverse jobs.”

In Zuoquan, the photovoltaic industry is essential to building the capacity to eliminate poverty. The county is aiming for an installed capacity of 130 megawatts, generating 100 million kWh a year. This will generate an extra average income of more than RMB 3,000 for each impoverished family.

“Developing industries for the poor population is like planting trees,” said Zhang Jian, the “first secretary” dispatched from the CIPG to Lichang Village. He believes this tree will take root, bloom and bear fruits, so benefiting the people in the long run.

Poverty alleviation is not a showcase for government achievements, but a battle against this protracted disease in human society. Its target is to lead people towards a better life. To assure such results, the Zuoquan government has set a strict “policy exit” index. For one thing, the county has improved its results assessment mechanisms by strengthening evaluations and ensuring data authenticity. On the other a third-party assessment agency has been invited to evaluate the poverty reduction results of 10 towns, 20 villages, and 200 impoverished families.

In addition, Zuoquan County has set up 10 special inspection teams to supervise poverty alleviation work in a comprehensive manner. The accountability mechanism has been strengthened, whereby the CPC committees take responsibility for implementation and the discipline inspection commissions are responsible for supervision.

The breadth of measures taken in Zuoquan signifies resolution and the confidence to rise out of poverty and advance. In the new era, the Taihang Spirit of tenacity, commitment, and diligence has been revived in Zuoquan in its battle to eradicate poverty and its pursuit of a moderately prosperous society.