Creating low-carbon solutions in China

Kevin Chen, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Beijing, and a Qiushi Chair Professor in Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China and Xinxin Wang, professor in the School of Economics of Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics, Hangzhou discuss their novel approach.

They are among a team of researchers pioneering a new "living lab" approach to development in China, Colombia, Kenya, and Vietnam, and they explained how living labs can foster inclusive socio-technical innovation and support governance for more equitable food systems.

The case of Qingshan village, Zhejiang province, China

During this work in Qingshan village, we focused on integrating low-carbon technologies and practices into traditional farming systems. Through a participatory methodology, we worked with a diverse group of people -from local farmers to migrant workers, government officials, and women-to understand current challenges and perceptions related to low-carbon practices prevalent within the community.

Balancing low-carbon practices with economic viability

By speaking with these different groups, we identified several barriers to the adoption of low-carbon technologies in the village. One major challenge is that local farmers are unsure of the economic benefits of these technologies. While many are willing to embrace low-carbon solutions, they hesitate due to uncertainty about their effectiveness and raised concerns about higher upfront costs.

The need to provide for their families makes some farmers cautious about adopting practices that could initially reduce their income.

To address these concerns, we took a hands-on approach, moving beyond research to direct action. A living lab was created where researchers and local farmers work together. The team rented a large piece of farmland to cultivate rice using nine different low-carbon technologies.

Over the course of a year, we measure carbon emissions and create economic feasibility studies of each technology, to prove that sustainable farming practices can be both environmentally friendly and affordable. These include how to farm rice in more environmentally responsible ways, for example by managing water resources.

The Zero Carbon Smart Farmhouse will also serve as a model for local residents, showcasing how low-carbon living can be achieved affordably. An interesting discovery has been that, by speaking to older generations, many of these technologies were once practiced, but now may not be so commonplace among younger generations.

The power of participation

Through workshops, interviews, and surveys, the project has involved nearly 800 households, gathering insights on energy consumption and daily practices. The aim is to bridge the gap between government policies and local practices, offering practical solutions that can be scaled up.

Through a participatory process, working with the community, the researchers have built trust and better understood local needs. This living lab approach can empower farmers while at the same time, setting the stage for sustainable, low-carbon development across rural China.

By using participatory methodologies, including fuzzy cognitive mapping and net mapping, which power dynamics and help to underpin how farmers make decisions, these tools have helped us to uncover the community's thoughts and feelings about low-carbon technologies, revealing their concerns about costs, effectiveness, and long-term benefits.

A living lab is not technology-driven but situation-driven. Therefore, breaking down disciplinary boundaries to solve real-world problems is one of its key features. It integrates resources from all sides, including schools, businesses, and government, welcoming all participants equally. With ample self-motivation, each entity contributes its best technologies and solutions to support the living lab.

This process of inclusive dialogue, allowing community members to express their ideas and concerns, has been crucial for building trust and understanding. Next, we hope to work together with government and policy decision-makers, to understand how these lessons can be used on a national level to drive low-carbon development. The results so far, showcase that low-carbon technologies can be effectively implemented in rural areas without sacrificing economic well-being.