From September 30 to October 8, 2023, Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d'Ivoire, hosted the sixth International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources (SARA). This biennial event saw participation from over 20 countries, drawing a diverse group of stakeholders. SARA 2023 focused on enhancing awareness of the subregion’s production and trade capabilities, fostering technical and commercial partnerships, and providing forums on agriculture-related activities. These efforts aimed to highlight the technical prowess and diversity of local agricultural products, livestock, fishing, forestry, and the agri-food industry.
Technical transfer through South-South Cooperation to Advance Post-Harvest Loss Management
The WFP Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (WFP China COE),the Regional Centre of Excellence against Hunger and Malnutrition (CERFAM, the result of a partnership between the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and the WFP) held a joint exhibition. They collaborated with the Sinograin Chengdu Grain Storage Research Institute and grain storage equipment manufacturers from China to introduce the mini steel silo-a new storage facility apt for smallholder farmers created by the Sinograin Chengdu Grain Storage Research Institute, while strengthening partnerships with public and private sectors in the West African region.
The Chinese delegation unveiled models of the mini steel silos made from 3D printing on October 1. The audiences watched relevant video presentations, tried to assemble different segments into grain storage devices, and actively raised their questions such as the types of grains suitable to be stored with this solution. The importance of this innovation was further underscored at the launch ceremony of the West African Rice Value Chain Mini Steel Silo Project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Efficient grain storage equipment is the most effective measure to reduce rodent damage and is crucial in minimizing grain losses for farmers. Through South-South Cooperation and technology transfer, this modern storage facility will significantly enhance local small farmers’ grain storage capacity and bolster food security, therefore increasing the project's efficiency and effectiveness in addressing post-harvest losses, an issue of paramount importance in western Africa.
Leveraging the Potential of Value Chains to Enhance the Resilience of Food Systems
On October5, CERFAM, the WFP China COE,and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire jointly hosted a side event themed "Leveraging the Potential of Value Chains to Improve the Resilience of Food Systems" during the sixth edition of SARA, which received high attention from representative offices of various international organizations in Côte d'Ivoire, local governments,and farmers' groups. Around 100 participants from Côte d'Ivoire’s central government and National Agency for Rice Value Chain Development , WFP Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea Country Offices, the World Bank Office in Côte d'Ivoire, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and local agriculture, research, education, and other related sectors attended the event.
Sory Quane, Acting Director of CERFAM, moderated the eventand Dr. Patricia N'Goran, Senior Advisor ofCERFAM, delivered the opening speech. Dr. Zhu Qinghua, Deputy Director of the Beijing Office of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, introduced in his keynote speech about the cooperation projects of the foundation’s China Office that support promoting Africa’sagricultural value chains in areas like scientific research and production. He also emphasized the importance of innovation and partnerships toAfrica's food systems.
During the panel discussion at the event, distinguished experts including Dr. Jia Yan, Head of South-South Cooperation at the WFP China Office; Aboubakary Traore, Director of Rice Development Support at Côte d’Ivoire's National Agency for Rice Value Chain Development; Dr. Hyoon-Jim Lim, WFP Guinea Office Country Director; and Sali Ndindeng, Principal Scientist at the Africa Rice Center, shared valuable insights. They explored how value chain development significantly impacts food systems, discussing lessons learned, success stories, and best practices. The panel delved into various topics, including:
1. Strategies and approaches to enhance value chains.
2. The multifaceted impact of improved value chains on dietary improvements, job creation, economic growth, and climate change adaptation.
3. Insights from the "Zero Hunger Village" initiative and the rice value chain development in Guinea.
4. The pivotal role of research in advancing these sectors.
During the discussion session, representatives of various local farmers’ organizations raised questions concerning rice varieties, supply of production materials and technical services, etc.
The side event was designed as a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities in developing agricultural value chains in Africa. It aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices and experiences and strengthen partnerships to promote sustainable food systems.
Stakeholders Engagement and Towards Future Collaborations
The SARA 2023 not only celebrated the spirit of agricultural innovation but also established critical channels of partnership for sustainable agricultural progress in the region. Throughout the event, the WFP China COE actively sought dialogue with multiple partners including the Africa Rice Centre, the National Agency for Rice Value Chain Development of Côte d’Ivoire, and various international agencies. These interactions centered around knowledge exchange and scouting avenues for future sustainable cooperation.
