Rural Institutions and Territorial Development

Projects

Supporting institutions for more inclusive agrifood systems, leaving no one behind

Introduction This project documents and analyses the experience of Hebian Village in Yunnan Province, China, as a model of inclusive rural transformation. It explores how collective action, cooperatives, women's empowerment and community governance have contributed to stronger rural institutions, improved livelihoods and sustainable local economic development.
Country China
Start date 08/04/2026
Status Ongoing
Objective / Goal

The project aims to generate evidence on how inclusive rural institutions can drive agrifood systems transformation and rural development. By documenting the Hebian Village experience, it seeks to identify good practices that strengthen collective action, promote gender equality, improve local governance and support more inclusive and accountable rural institutions.

Key activities and outcomes 

The project documents and analyses the experience of Hebian Village in Yunnan Province, China, as a case of rural institutional reconstruction and inclusive rural transformation. Through field research and evidence generation, it examines how collective action, cooperatives, the collective economy, women’s empowerment and community governance contributed to livelihood improvement, local economic development and the strengthening of accountable and inclusive rural institutions. 

Relevant SDGs

SDG 1 – No Poverty 
SDG 5 – Gender Equality 
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth