China's precision model has proved poverty is not destiny

Editor's note: Eric Biegon, a special commentator for CGTN, is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of visiting China on various programs, and each trip has deepened my understanding of the country's remarkable rise. Beyond its economic power and towering cities, what stands out most for me is China's historic success in eradicating extreme poverty, a feat that continues to inspire other developing nations around the world.

In 2017, I visited Guizhou Province, once among the poorest regions in western China. I observed communities huddled in mountainous terrain, some of them struggling to overcome hardship. When I returned in 2023, the transformation was astounding. Villages that had long been trapped in poverty were thriving, connected by new roads, equipped with better schools and supported by vibrant local industries.

This transformation is the result of a deliberate, nationwide campaign to ensure that no one in China lives in absolute poverty, a promise achieved in 2020 under Chinese President Xi Jinping's leadership.

From 2013 to 2020, China lifted 99 million rural residents out of poverty, fulfilling one of its key national goals of "building a moderately prosperous society in all respects." This was a milestone in the long fight against deprivation.

China's progress has been steady since the late 1970s, when economic reforms began lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty. However, by 2013, it became clear that traditional approaches driven solely by economic expansion could no longer reach the remaining poor, most of whom lived in remote, mountainous areas or regions with low levels of social and economic development.

Recognizing this, the government introduced a new approach: the precision poverty alleviation strategy, a model that redefined how the nation could fight and end extreme poverty.

The precision approach

Launched by President Xi in 2013, the precision model has a key principle: tailoring solutions to the unique challenges faced by each household.

The first step involved accurate data collection. The government identified 29 million poor households, recording details such as income, education, health and reasons for poverty. This information formed a dynamic database that enabled targeted support, rather than one-size-fits-all interventions.

As one scholar from Renmin University put it, "Identifying the root causes of poverty is the foundation for selecting the right remedies."

Households received specific assistance, including agricultural inputs, livestock, skills training and interest-subsidized loans for small businesses. Villages benefited from solar power projects that generated collective income, while rural residents were supported in finding employment in towns and nearby factories.

At the same time, China invested heavily in basic services, education, healthcare, housing and infrastructure. By 2020, every formerly poor household had achieved what Beijing called "Two Assurances and Three Guarantees," meaning not having to worry about food or clothing, and guaranteed access to housing, education, healthcare and safe drinking water.

Governance and political will

China's fight against poverty was not just about funding; it was also about governance. The central government provided direction, provinces coordinated resources and the county governments executed plans on the ground.

Leadership accountability was clear. Secretaries of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at every level were personally responsible for the poverty eradication outcomes in their jurisdictions. Over three million officials were deployed as village-level team leaders, living in rural communities to oversee projects. More than 1,800 of them lost their lives during the mission, a testament to their dedication to the program.

To ensure efficiency, more than 20 funding streams were merged at the county level, reducing duplication and ensuring resources reached the intended beneficiaries. Independent evaluators verified results before counties could be declared poverty-free, reinforcing transparency and credibility.

By the end of 2020, China officially declared the elimination of absolute poverty. Income levels had risen sharply, access to essential services had expanded and the once-wide gap between rural and urban living standards had narrowed significantly.

Analysts describe the effort as "a global benchmark for targeted poverty reduction."

Lessons for the Global South

China's experience holds valuable lessons for other developing nations, especially in Africa.

First and foremost, a clear national vision is crucial. The CPC made poverty eradication a top political priority, not just a policy goal. As Professor Wang Sangui of Renmin University observed, strong political willingness and determination are essential for eliminating absolute poverty.

Understanding the root causes of poverty allows for effective solutions. China's use of detailed data ensured that interventions were relevant and sustainable.

Education was non-negotiable. China enforced strict policies to keep every child in school, expanded free secondary education and emphasized skills development, a lesson many nations can adopt to strengthen human capital.

Job creation was essential. The government supported agriculture, livestock production and small enterprises through subsidized loans. It also promoted local industries and labor-intensive factories in rural areas, creating jobs close to home.

Infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water systems, irrigation and broadband connectivity were built to integrate remote communities into national markets and lay the foundation for sustained growth.

Finally, strong governance and accountability ensured the integrity of the entire program. Clear responsibilities, anti-corruption measures and regular evaluations kept the mission on course.

China's success proves that poverty is not destiny. Through vision, leadership, data and determination, a nation can lift millions out of deprivation and build shared prosperity.

By 2020, China had fulfilled its promise to leave no one behind, setting a powerful example. For developing countries still battling widespread poverty, China's experience stands as living proof that with the right model, commitment and cooperation, progress is not just possible, it is inevitable.

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