Thirty agricultural experts and officials from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Gambia, and Cameroon recently concluded a two-week training program on perennial rice technology in China. Hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and genomics leader BGI Group, the seminar focused on sustainable cultivation methods for rice varieties that yield multiple harvests from a single planting.
"I came with an empty bag, but I'm going back with a full bag of knowledge," said Willis Abwao Adero, a senior Kenyan researcher. Ethiopian scientist Allo Amen Dido highlighted insights into "full-cycle management" of perennial rice production.
Country-specific adaptation strategies emerged during discussions:
Nigeria explored simplified planting techniques
Ethiopia proposed gene-editing solutions for high-altitude cultivation
Kenya planned pilot trials through its agricultural research body
The initiative coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which Chinese officials say has ushered in a "best period" for bilateral relations. BGI Group reaffirmed its commitment to sharing agricultural technologies under FOCAC's framework for modernization.
Participants emphasized the need for sustained technical partnerships between African and Chinese institutions to transform regional food security landscapes.
