Wangjinzhuang, in Hebei Province, relies heavily on agriculture, with an average annual income of 6,800 yuan per person (2021). Climate change has severely impacted local agriculture and livelihoods, with heavy rains and floods in 2016, 2019, and 2021 destroying houses and farmland. Prolonged droughts and low temperatures have also led to significant declines in agricultural yields. Since 2019, OHK has supported villagers in preserving traditional seeds and cultivating climate-resilient varieties to adapt to climate change.

Establishing a Community Seed Bank to Preserve and Revitalise Traditional Varieties

Farmers carefully pour seeds into the farm machinery in preparation for the spring sowing season. 

In November 2019, OHK supported villagers in establishing the Wangjinzhuang Farmers' Seed Bank, which stores over 170 locally adapted varieties. Managed by a dedicated team of villagers, the seed bank selects seeds each year that are suitable for the local climate. This practice helps maintain the vitality of traditional varieties through living conservation. Diverse and vibrant crop varieties provide a solid foundation for local agricultural biodiversity in the face of climate change.

The Wangjinzhuang Farmers' Seed Bank

Promoting Environmentally Friendly Agriculture and Improving Production and Sales

OHK continues to support Wangjinzhuang in promoting environmentally friendly agriculture and establishing a community composting site using donkey dung. From November 2023 to May 2024, the community produced approximately 58.8 tonnes of manure through three composting cycles.

Members of the Terraced Fields Association have effectively utilised Oxfam's resources to connect with researchers, government representatives, consumers, and grassroots organisations. They have promoted their farm products and dryland terrace farming culture through ecological agriculture activities and participation in the Beijing Organic Farmers Market.

By conserving traditional varieties, promoting climate-resilient crops, developing eco-friendly agriculture, and improving production and sales, Wangjinzhuang has made significant progress in addressing climate change and improving villagers' livelihoods. This experience serves as a valuable example for other rural communities striving for sustainable development in response to climate change.