NAIROBI, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) — Policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders from Africa, China, and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, on Tuesday to launch the Africa-China-CIMMYT Science Forum. The event, running from August 13 to 16, aims to drive agricultural transformation, enhance food security, and combat rural poverty across the continent.

The forum, organised by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and CIMMYT, has attracted over 100 participants under the theme “Transforming Agrifood Systems in Africa through Scientific Innovations and Partnerships.” It provides a critical platform for African and Chinese experts to exchange ideas and strategies to address pressing challenges like climate change, crop pests, and diseases.

Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, underscored the significance of the forum in fostering South-South cooperation. He noted that such exchanges are crucial for transferring technologies and best practices that can revolutionise smallholder farming in Africa. Govaerts also called for collaborative research to develop drought-resistant crops such as legumes and cereals, which are essential for tackling hunger on the continent.

Ye Yujiang, Vice President of CAAS, highlighted the potential of Sino-African partnerships to modernise agriculture, enhance food and nutritional security, and boost rural incomes. He pointed to the successful outcomes of existing collaborations, including the development of hybrid rice and training programmes for young African scientists. These initiatives, Ye noted, have significantly contributed to food security and rural development in Africa.

Prasanna Boddupalli, Director of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program, emphasised the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation between Chinese and African scientists. He advocated for African countries to adopt China’s experience in modernising agriculture, particularly in developing high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-smart crops suitable for African conditions.

Felister Makini, Deputy Director General of Research and Partnerships at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, stated that partnerships with China would help African governments address gaps in research, capacity building, policy, and financing that have impeded agricultural transformation on the continent.