Chinese agricultural technology has become a key driver of food security in Africa, significantly increasing crop yields and improving farmers’ livelihoods. In Madagascar, for example, hybrid rice varieties introduced through Chinese expertise have yielded two to three times more than traditional local varieties. By 2022, this technology had been applied to 75,000 hectares of land, doubling the incomes of thousands of farmers and enhancing food self-sufficiency.
In many African countries, the transition from reliance on natural weather conditions to technology-driven agriculture has been transformative. China has played a major role in this shift by sharing knowledge in rice production, agricultural statistics, and climate-resilient farming. Through tailored programs, Chinese experts have adapted their methods to suit Africa’s diverse soil types and climate patterns.
In Guinea-Bissau, a combined approach of technology and equipment has been widely welcomed. Agricultural machinery and tools, along with long-term technical training provided by Chinese experts, have enhanced the skill set of local farmers. Similarly, in Madagascar, insect-resistant rice seeds are being developed to combat pests, providing a sustainable solution to food insecurity.
Between 2013 and 2023, China established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers across Africa, introducing over 300 advanced farming techniques. These initiatives have increased local crop yields by 30 to 60 percent and benefited more than a million farmers. Hybrid rice cultivation, alongside other innovative agricultural methods, has become instrumental in reducing poverty and ensuring food security in several African countries.
In Mauritania, a village once plagued by harsh desert conditions has seen a transformation thanks to Chinese mushroom-growing technology known as “Juncao.” This grass, which serves as a substrate for mushrooms, has not only stabilized shifting sands but also improved livestock farming. Farmers who previously struggled to feed their animals now have access to nutritious forage, improving their economic prospects.
Other technological advancements include solar-powered insecticide lamps that cut pesticide use by up to 30 percent, drought- and flood-tolerant rice varieties that safeguard harvests, and small-scale precision farming machines that enhance soil quality while mitigating climate change effects. These innovations have turned once-barren land into fertile ground, fostering Africa’s journey toward agricultural self-sufficiency.
China-Africa agricultural cooperation extends beyond cultivation and into trade. In 2022, fresh African avocados were exported to China for the first time, marking a milestone in deepening agricultural partnerships. By 2024, China had established cooperative mechanisms with 23 African countries, signing 72 agreements. More than 200 Chinese agribusiness firms now operate across the continent, with total investment exceeding 1 billion U.S. dollars.
In Nigeria, Chinese-developed rice varieties have increased production by 25 percent. In Uganda, Chinese-introduced millet has tripled land productivity. Tanzanian farmers have collaborated with Chinese experts on maize and soybean projects, while Rwandan coffee producers have leveraged Chinese e-commerce training to access global markets.
Beyond direct agricultural support, African trainees who studied in China have returned home to implement their knowledge, applying advanced farming techniques and digital marketing strategies to promote local agricultural products. The widespread adoption of Chinese agricultural technology has paved the way for Africa’s self-sufficiency, illustrating a shared vision of sustainable development and prosperity.
