Shen Shiwei, CGTN Digital reporter and analyst, non-resident research fellow of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University
Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, particularly in Africa, where challenges such as the lack of massive agricultural infrastructure, risks arising from rising international food prices, and vulnerability to natural disasters persist.
China’s annual Two Sessions could offer valuable insights into addressing these issues through technological advancement and rural revitalization. The sessions underscore the significance of leveraging technological advancements to empower agricultural development and rural revitalization. This focus aligns with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s hallmark campaign for rural revitalization, aimed at achieving common prosperity and a moderately prosperous society.
China underscores agriculture’s fundamental role in its national economy, which can serve as a model for African nations. Recognizing farming as a critical economic asset encourages targeted investments and supportive policies. Prioritizing agricultural investment fosters an environment where agriculture is viewed as essential for economic stability and growth, ensuring a robust foundation for broad-based development.
In particular, China unveiled its “No. 1 Central Document” for 2025 on February 23, outlining the priorities for further deepening rural reforms and advancing all-around rural revitalization. The document emphasizes the continuous enhancement of the supply capacity of key agricultural products like grain, the consolidation and expansion of poverty alleviation achievements, and the strengthening of wealth-creating industries for farmers. These measures aim to promote rural construction, improve the rural governance system, and optimize resource allocation. Crucially, safeguarding food security and ensuring the stable supply of key agricultural products are top priorities for national security, signaling their importance.
The focus on agricultural investment and rural revitalization has led to significant improvements in productivity and sustainability. Enhancing infrastructure and providing financial resources are central to this strategy. By channeling investments into rural areas, African countries can stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and reduce rural poverty. Improved infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, enhances market access and reduces post-harvest losses, fostering rural prosperity.
Technological innovation is pivotal to China’s agricultural strategy. From precision farming and drone technology to AI-driven pest control and climate-resilient crops, technology boosts efficiency and resilience. The “No. 1 Central Document” also calls for developing new quality productive forces in agriculture tailored to local conditions. It advocates for cultivating leading high-tech agricultural enterprises and accelerating breakthroughs in crop varieties. Moreover, the document highlights the importance of upgrading agricultural product processing and improving rural logistics distribution to support the digital economy in rural areas. Embracing agri-tech can transform African agriculture. Governments should collaborate with the private sector to introduce and scale technologies that address local agricultural challenges, such as drought-resistant seeds and efficient irrigation systems.
China’s approach to food security includes boosting domestic production, building strategic reserves and enhancing supply chains. Such measures mitigate risks associated with global market fluctuations and natural disasters. The emphasis on high-quality rural logistics distribution aligns with efforts to ensure that rural areas are well-integrated into broader economic activities. African nations should adopt comprehensive strategies to ensure food security. This involves enhancing local production capacities, establishing food reserves and strengthening logistics networks to secure reliable food supplies during crises.
With climate change increasing the frequency of natural disasters, China invests heavily in early warning systems, disaster-proof infrastructure and sustainable farming practices. Developing robust disaster preparedness frameworks is crucial for African agriculture. Investments in resilient infrastructure, real-time monitoring systems and community training programs are essential steps towards reducing vulnerability and enhancing recovery capacity.
African countries can draw from these experiences to strengthen their agricultural sectors and achieve sustainable rural development. Through shared knowledge and enhanced cooperation, both China and Africa can build a future where agriculture remains a pillar of economic and social well-being.
