Beijing, China—Over 600 exhibitors from more than 70 countries and regions converged in Beijing for the Third China International Supply Chain Expo. Under the theme “Connecting the World for a Shared Future,” the expo spotlighted six major supply chains, including Green Agriculture.
As climate change intensifies and global food security challenges grow, there’s an urgent need for sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. China and Africa are uniquely positioned to collaborate in this field, with immense potential to accelerate sustainable green agricultural supply chains that benefit economies, communities, and ecosystems.
China’s Green Agriculture Transition
Professor Zhou Yuguang from the College of Engineering at China Agricultural University highlighted that China’s push towards green agriculture is rooted in national policies like rural revitalization and circular agriculture. Over the past decade, China has developed systems to convert agricultural waste into biofuels, fertilizers, and eco-friendly materials. Rural areas are adopting new water management techniques, waste recycling, and eco-infrastructure projects to reduce pollution and improve livelihoods.
“Green transformation is a long-term process,” Professor Zhou noted. “It requires technology, 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 to Sustainable Farming
Dr. Kojo Ahiakpa, Coordinator of the Agriculture Research Group at the Global Organization of African Academic Doctors, described Africa’s journey towards green agriculture as innovative yet facing structural challenges. Infrastructure gaps like cold chains, transport networks, and storage facilities hinder the scaling of sustainable practices.
Dr. Ahiakpa recommended several measures to accelerate green agriculture in Africa:
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 emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation. China has shared renewable energy and green agricultural technologies with African countries through programs led by the United Nations Development Programme. However, technology transfer requires on-the-ground adaptation and capacity building.
Professor Zhou pointed out that green and low-carbon products are gaining popularity among Chinese consumers, 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
The future of China-Africa green agriculture cooperation lies in:
Co-developing research hubs to replicate elements of China’s rural revitalization model
Promoting demonstration centers and climate-smart adaptation practices
Expanding eco-certification and carbon trading partnerships
Scaling organic farming and knowledge exchange programs
By working together, China and Africa can create sustainable agricultural systems that not only address pressing environmental challenges but also bring lasting value to their people and ecosystems.
