Experts say Africa can partner with China in combating drought

“The Chinese have skills in fighting drought, through sustainable land and water management, use of innovative technologies that maximize the use of water, use of drought tolerant seeds and varieties developed to do well even under drought conditions,” said Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative to Namibia Babagana Ahmadu.

Ahmadu said Africa can partner with China in the transfer of skills and sharing of experiences gained through programs such as the South South Cooperation facilitated by FAO.

In an interview with Xinhua on Friday, Bala Gukut, deputy director of drought and desertification affairs under Nigeria’s environment ministry, said China as a major investor in Africa, could help with the funding for projects at local and regional levels.

The African Drought Conference was held in Namibia from Aug. 15 to 19 as southern African countries are experiencing prolonged drought. The United Nations agency OCHA estimated that 32 million people will be food insecure between June 2016 and March 2017 in the region. Enditem

Source: Xinhua/News Ghana