China-Ethiopia agricultural ties promoted via Science and Technology Backyard program

On June 19, participants from Training Seminar for Ethiopian Media Professionals visited the Xihuaizhuang Science and Technology Backyard (STB) of China Agricultural University, witnessing the achievements of this innovative platform in agricultural technology extension and talent development. By integrating scientific research with on-the-ground practice, the STB model has emerged as a paradigm for driving agricultural modernization.

Associate Professor Jiao Xiaoqiang from China Agricultural University's College of Resources and Environmental Sciences explains the application and impact of smart agricultural technologies.

A group photo of the delegation members with the researchers at the Xihuaizhuang STB

Habtamu Debasu Addisu, a diplomat from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia was impressed by the STB. "It's a great opportunity for us to visit here. Your performance is outstanding with the policy orientation upon implementation at the grassroots. It has changed farmers’ lives and their family. It is really wonderful. It also motivates all academic staff and researchers to move forward. The field visit is an integration of concept with reality,” he said.

“We witnessed the great achievements by the university community and researchers for the betterment of their community as well as their contribution for the development of the Africa continent. This across-border integration and cooperation changed the livelihoods of many farmers in China as well as in the Africa continent in general." Ubah Mohammed Hussien, image building director of Public Diplomacy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia said.

Habtamu Worku Sissay, chief executive of FDRE Government Communication Service, noted that China's cooperation in transforming African agriculture is deeply valued. The event successfully combined professional networking, cultural exchange, with agricultural innovation, laying a solid foundation for future sustainable development partnerships. The visit highlighted the immense potential of strengthened cooperation to drive global agricultural progress.

Launched in Beijing on June 13, the 14-day Training Seminar for Ethiopian Media Professionals is sponsored by Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and organized by the Institute of International Studies and Advanced Training of China International Communications Group.