In Divo, Cote d'Ivoire, the Guiguidou hydro-agricultural area reflects growing cooperation between China and the West African country in agriculture.

The region, known for its thriving paddy rice cultivation, hosts a unique demonstration base which serves as a training ground — a Chinese technology cooperation team imparts advanced agricultural practices to local farmers, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone conversation with Cote d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara in December 2022 that China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire across the board. The two countries agreed to expand trade in agricultural produce, as well as enhance bilateral cooperation in planting and processing rice.

Over the past year, collaborative efforts have led to notable improvements in Cote d'Ivoire's paddy rice production. The cooperation supports the local economy and facilitates a meaningful exchange of ideas and techniques. By investing in agricultural technologies and establishing the world's largest repository for gene resources of wild rice varieties of its kind, China is helping to share knowledge and resources globally.

Felix Dapare Dakora, former president of the African Academy of Sciences, said that Africa, in working closely with China, can soon emulate that prowess in food production and achieve self-sufficiency.

"Africa is where China was, but China has gone past that and this is the way today, with abundant food everywhere for people to eat and making new products out of the food," Dakora said.

Agencies via Xinhua