Eradicating all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030 is one of the most important goals under the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. It is imperative to enhance agricultural production, promote sustainable business models, carry out extensive international cooperation, secure infrastructure and technology investments, and improve agricultural productivity.
As one of the staple foods for millions of people, rice plays a significant role in the food system. The demand for rice is massive, and many African countries suffer from a shortage of rice production and rely heavily on imports. Building a sustainable rice value chain will significantly contribute to the food system’s resilience, especially in developing countries.
Joint launch of the Initiative during the 1st China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in 2019
In 2019, during the first China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the Initiative on Strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation in China-Africa Rice Value Chain was jointly initiated by African Union, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, World Food Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center and China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges.
With the strong support of the Initiative’s initial partners, several events have been successfully organized for concretizing the Initiative’s objective of better facilitating agricultural cooperation
between China and African countries and advancing rice value chain development globally through South-South and triangular cooperation.
From 8 to 10 June 2021, WFP China COE and UNOSSC co-organized the Seminar on China-Africa Rice Value Chain Enhancement, with the support of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund), and CERFAM. It provided an opportunity to link China with partner countries in Africa to exchange views on solutions and pathways to enhance cooperation on rice value chain development.
Click the video to learn more about the Initiative
In 2022, capacity development webinars, South-South exchanges and knowledge sharing workshops on the rice value chain will be organized, partnering with UN agencies, think tanks, CoEs, and other organizations.