More than 600 exhibitors from over 70 countries and regions have gathered in Beijing for the Third China International Supply Chain Expo.
Under the theme "Connecting the World for a Shared Future", the expo highlights six major supply chains, including Green Agriculture.
As climate change and global food security challenges intensify, the demand for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems has never been greater.
Both China and Africa are uniquely positioned to collaborate in this field, with great potential to accelerate the development of sustainable green agricultural supply chains, bringing lasting value to their economies, communities and ecosystems.
In a discussion with China Africa Talk, Zhou Yuguang from the College of Engineering at China Agricultural University, and Kojo Ahiakpa, Coordinator of the Agriculture Research Group at the Global Organization of African Academic Doctors share insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities for China-Africa cooperation in green agriculture.
China’s green agriculture transition
Professor Zhou emphasizes that China’s green agriculture push is deeply rooted in national policies like rural revitalization and circular agriculture. Over the past decade, China has developed comprehensive systems to convert agricultural waste into biofuels, fertilizers, and eco-friendly materials. Rural areas are adopting new water management, waste recycling, and eco-infrastructure projects to reduce pollution and improve livelihoods.
However, Zhou notes that green transformation is a long-term process, requiring not just technology but also community acceptance, top-level policy design, and steady investment. Demonstration projects, local subsidies, and education are vital to scaling these changes across rural China.
Africa’s path: infrastructure, climate-smart practices, and regional cooperation
Dr. Ahiakpa describes Africa’s green agriculture journey as one of innovation with local roots but facing structural challenges. Infrastructure gaps, such as cold chains, transport networks, and storage facilities, are major barriers to scaling sustainable agricultural practices.
Ahiakpa recommends several measures to speed up the development of green agriculture:
Investing in green infrastructure; mainstreaming climate-smart agricultural practices through digital extension services; strengthening agro-processing zones to reduce post-harvest losses; expanding green finance models to support vulnerable groups like women and youth; developing regional certification systems to standardize green trade across African markets.
Technology and South-South cooperation
Both experts stress the role of South-South cooperation. China has shared renewable energy and green agricultural technologies with African countries through UNDP-led programs, but technology transfer requires on-the-ground adaptation and capacity building.
Professor Zhou points out that green and low-carbon products are gaining consumer popularity in China, driving demand for eco-friendly farming methods. This shift offers opportunities for African producers to engage in green trade, organic certification, and carbon market participation—areas where China could provide technical support and policy guidance.
Building long-term value
Both experts agree that the future of China-Africa green agriculture cooperation lies in the following areas:
Co-developing research hubs to replicate elements of China’s rural revitalization model; promoting demonstration centers and climate-smart adaptation practices; expanding eco-certification; carbon trading partnerships and scaling organic farming and knowledge exchange programs.
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