Handbook on Digital Rural Communities Best Practices

This publication presents the Handbook on Digital Rural Communities (DRC) Best Practices, developed under the APEC PPFS 201 2023A project to support the scaling up of effective DRC models across APEC economies, with a strong focus on Viet Nam. The handbook consolidates lessons from extensive research, stakeholder consultations, and comparative analysis, and showcases 10 best practice models, including seven cases from Viet Nam and three from other APEC members. It documents practical applications of digital technologies in agriculture, public services, governance, and rural livelihoods, highlighting inclusive approaches that benefit women, smallholders, and vulnerable groups. The handbook analyzes enabling factors, common barriers, and innovative public–private–community partnership models, and distills actionable lessons and policy recommendations. It serves as a hands-on reference for policymakers, local authorities, cooperatives, and practitioners working toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient rural digital transformation in line with APEC’s Putrajaya Vision 2040 and Food Security Roadmap Towards 2030.