Enhancing Cassava Cultivation in Africa: The Role of Chinese Agricultural Expertise
Chinese agricultural expert Li Keming, alongside local staff, is actively involved in developing cassava cultivation techniques at the China-Aid Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, as of August 3, 2024.
Cassava serves as a crucial staple food in Africa; however, its production has historically been hampered by inadequate varieties, outdated farming methods, and insufficient processing facilities. While China is not a major producer of cassava, it plays a significant role as a market for the crop and is recognized globally for its advancements in cassava research and technology.
In light of the expanding agricultural cooperation between China and Africa, innovative cassava varieties and improved farming and processing techniques are being rapidly implemented across the continent. Initiatives, such as the plans introduced by agricultural experts from the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) in November 2023, aim to bolster cassava cultivation throughout Africa, which relies heavily on this starchy tuber.
This partnership in cassava farming exemplifies the broader agricultural collaboration between China and Africa, highlighted by China's deployment of over 400 agricultural experts to the continent and the training of more than 10,000 agricultural professionals by the end of 2023. The infusion of Chinese agricultural technology and expertise has significantly enhanced the yield and quality of staple crops in many African nations, contributing to greater dietary diversity and advancing agricultural development in the region.
Source: https://regional.chinadaily.com.cn/Qiushi/2024-08/30/c_1017131.htm