#China #Technology #Wuhan #Collaboration #oil crops

Collaboration for Sustainable Development in Agriculture

In a groundbreaking initiative, scientists from Africa and China have joined forces to explore the vast potential of Africa's oil crops sector. This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in reinforcing food security and enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities across the continent. Key oil crops in focus include sesame, groundnut, and soybean, which are vital for both local consumption and export markets.

On November 20th, a significant event known as the 'Belt and Road Forum on Oil Crops Science, Technology Innovation and Industrial Cooperation' was held in Wuhan, China. Policymakers, researchers, and private sector representatives from various African nations including Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Mali, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Tanzania convened with their Chinese counterparts. The aim was to strengthen cooperation throughout the oil crops value chain, addressing various aspects from breeding and seed systems to processing and market trade.

The discussions at the forum revolved around the identification of new opportunities in oil crop production, with a particular emphasis on developing climate-resilient and high-yielding varieties. In addition, the forum highlighted joint breeding initiatives which aim to create legumes with high protein content that are well-suited for African agricultural systems. Such advancements not only promise to enhance the nutritional value of crops but also strive for more efficient processing methods that add value to edible oils produced in the region.

During this collaborative effort, agreements were forged between OCRI-CAAS and several African universities and companies. These agreements are designed to nurture long-term partnerships focused on various areas such as variety improvement, technology transfer, and the training of young scientists and agribusiness professionals. The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to translate scientific research into practical benefits for both farmers and consumers, fostering economic upliftment in both Africa and China.

Following the forum, an African delegation undertook a technical visit to OCRI-CAAS. This delegation included notable figures such as Edwin Paul Mhede, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Trade and Investment from the Ministry of Industry of Tanzania, and Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, Economic and Financial Inclusion Technical Adviser to the Nigerian President. The visit aimed to engage with innovation teams dedicated to oil crops such as sesame, groundnut, and soybean.

The importance of developing Africa's oil crops sector was echoed by Professor Korsten and other delegates. They recognized the potential for rapid growth, emphasizing that collaboration with institutions like OCRI-CAAS can facilitate the generation of solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by African agriculture. This partnership is poised to raise crop yields, improve quality, and ensure compliance with international market standards.

Looking towards the future, institutions in Africa and OCRI-CAAS intend to utilize platforms like the China–Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance (CAASTIA) for enhanced joint breeding programs and farmer-oriented extensions. By leveraging Africa's rich natural resources and market potential alongside the scientific expertise from both Africa and China, the goal is to construct resilient and inclusive oil crops value chains. These chains not only support food and nutrition security but also align with sustainable development goals across the continent.