12-15 August 2024. Experts from China and Africa convened for a meeting in Nairobi for a high-level forum on agricultural science and technology in an effort to harness the potential of technology to revolutionize agriculture.
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China jointly organized the pivotal forum, which brings together over 150 leaders, agricultural experts, and representatives from renowned companies across Africa.
The gathering aimed to accelerate advancements in the agricultural sector, particularly in response to the pressing challenges of climate change and food security across the continent.
Countries represented include Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal, with the event taking place at the World Agroforestry Centre over four days.
Director General of CIMMYT Bram Govaerts said the forum’s objective is to enhance research and innovation and ensure such advancements reach the farmers who need them most.
“Through this platform, we aim to improve the delivery of research and innovation to farmers. We will develop a strategic and tactical plan, seek resources for implementation, and ultimately benefit African farmers,” Govaerts said
Yujiang Ye, the Vice President of CAAS highlighted the academy’s ongoing commitment to supporting African nations and the broader Global South through training and technology transfer.
“CAAS has trained 276 students from 38 African countries, making it a leading institution in agricultural education for African students,” said Ye, underscoring the significance of the China-Africa modern agriculture technology exchange.
The forum also provided an occasion to clarify strategies for increasing crop yields in Africa, particularly for corn, wheat, and dryland crops. It also seeks to share China’s experience in agricultural modernization and identify areas for collaborative cooperation between China, Africa, and CIMMYT.
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