BEIJING — The China-Africa Science and Technology Backyard program, launched in 2019 by China Agricultural University (CAU), is making significant strides in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Africa. This initiative is part of a broader effort to deepen Sino-African cooperation by transferring agricultural knowledge and technology.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the program has successfully engaged master’s students and professionals from Africa in advanced agricultural practices, demonstrating considerable success. Francina Lerato Kuwali, a Malawian student at CAU, recently reported that the techniques she learned helped increase maize yields in Malawi to nearly three times the local average. This success story underscores the program’s impact, which is supported by international organizations such as the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The initiative focuses on training high-quality agricultural talent and fostering technical exchanges. It leverages China’s agricultural advancements to support African nations, where agriculture forms the economic backbone but faces challenges such as low yields and the high cost of inputs. The program is particularly relevant in regions dominated by smallholder farmers and low productivity levels.
Jiao Xiaoqiang, the program’s head and an associate professor at CAU, outlined the program’s objectives: to develop a new model for cultivating talent and advancing green agricultural practices in Africa. The tailored training includes a year in China for theory and practice, followed by a year applying these skills in Africa, and a final year back in China to complete research and a thesis.
Since its inception, the program has recruited 91 agricultural talents from 12 African countries, focusing on sustainable and green agriculture. It has established seven sci-tech backyards in countries including Zambia, Tanzania, and Malawi, where these practices are put into action.
One notable project, “Small Beans, Big Nutrition,” started in 2021 in Tanzania’s Morogoro Region, introduces maize-soybean intercropping and soy product techniques to enhance local diets, particularly to improve nutrition for women and children. This project addresses critical nutritional deficiencies in the local diet and has been well received by the community.
The program not only enhances crop production but also contributes to broader goals such as improving nutrition, health, and poverty reduction in Africa. It reflects a shift towards integrating agricultural development with environmental and social sustainability, showcasing how international cooperation can lead to substantial advancements in global agricultural practices.