Malawian students use Chinese farming techniques to plant seeds of agricultural development

Malawian Students Use Chinese Farming Techniques to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction

In early August in Beijing, Malawian student Phiri and his classmates from China Agricultural University were conducting experiments on soybean growth. Phiri aims to promote sustainable agriculture and increase the productivity of smallholder farmers in Malawi.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. Goal 1: No Poverty
2. Goal 2: Zero Hunger
3. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
4. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Challenges in Malawi

• Lack of effective methods to control diseases and pests in crops
• Shortage of modern agricultural techniques
• Insufficient food production to feed the population

Phiri’s Contributions

Phiri hopes to enhance soil fertility and increase the income of smallholder farmers in Malawi. He aims to achieve this by promoting green pest control and developing customized fertilizers based on soil test results.

Collaborative Approach

Phiri and his classmates collaborated with local farmers in a village in Malawi to implement their agricultural techniques. They emphasized the importance of technicians and farmers working together to ensure the successful implementation of technology.

Positive Results

Through the application of optimized agricultural techniques, the farmers in Malawi experienced a significant increase in their harvest yields. This has the potential to improve food security and contribute to the country’s development.

Expansion of the Program

The China-Africa Science and Technology Backyard program, initiated by China Agricultural University, aims to cultivate agricultural technology innovation talents in Africa. The program has been successful in developing “sci-tech backyards” in seven African countries, including Malawi. The university plans to expand the program to more African countries and cultivate high-quality talent who understand agriculture and care for farmers.

Conclusion

Phiri, along with other students, has gained valuable knowledge and practical skills through the China-Africa Science and Technology Backyard program. They are determined to make a difference in their home countries by promoting sustainable agriculture and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the issues of food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainable farming practices. These align with SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The article also highlights the importance of technology and innovation in agriculture, which relates to SDG 9. Additionally, the focus on sustainable farming practices and climate action connects to SDG 12 and SDG 13. The collaboration between different stakeholders, such as students, farmers, and government officials, reflects the spirit of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
• Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
• Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, particularly developing countries.
• Target 12.3: By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains.
• Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
• Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
• Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.

Based on the article, the targets mentioned above are relevant to the issues discussed. These targets focus on increasing agricultural productivity and incomes, promoting sustainable food production systems, enhancing technological capabilities, reducing food waste, addressing climate change, combating land degradation, and promoting international cooperation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
• Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
• Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.
• Indicator 12.3.1: Food loss index.
• Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.
• Indicator 17.6.1: Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and programs between countries.

The article does not explicitly mention these indicators, but they can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators focus on measuring agricultural productivity, sustainable agriculture practices, research and development expenditure, food loss, climate change integration, land degradation, and international cooperation.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: bastillepost.com