The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has embraced South–South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) as a key delivery modality to catalyse agricultural development, food security, rural development, poverty reduction and nutrition over the past two decades. The South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division (PST) aims at scaling up FAO’s SSTC programme and further leveraging SSTC to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

China and Africa are the two main home to the population who face challenges in the sustainable agricultural development especially in agriculture and food system transformation and development while China and Africa have made fruitful progress in agricultural cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This effort has led to achievements in agricultural investment and trade, agricultural research and development, technology demonstration and application, and human resources development. While China and Africa have a common interest in strengthening China-African exchanges and cooperation in agricultural science and technology, it is crucial for China to comprehensively promote rural revitalization and accelerate agricultural and rural modernization and it is also an important period for Africa to increase its agricultural productivity and enhance the agrifood value chain. The China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 clearly stated that agricultural cooperation should be extended to the whole value chain and cooperation in S&T innovation provides new impetus for development. And there’s clear need from Africa about learning from China’s experience on poverty reduction, food security and agri-food system transformation, especially through agriculture S&T development and cooperation.

In the year 2022, FAO and CAAS signed the FAO-CAAS Innovation Platform Executive Agreement, and agreed to invest in Agricultural Technology Innovation, Talent training and Capacity Building, Resource Sharing and Academic Research, Technical Consultation and Service through triangular cooperation. Consistent with FAO SSTC four strategic areas of focus (SAFs) especially the partnerships and collaborations, and the thematic areas of focus (TAFs) on agricultural innovation, a Workshop on China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation under the FAO-CAAS Innovation Platform through SSTC is proposed to advocate and set the agenda for China-Africa agricultural science and technology cooperation, to broker knowledge, enhance partnerships, mechanisms and collaborations, and provide evidence based deliverables for policy making.

In 2018, led by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), the National Agricultural Science and Technology International Cooperation Alliance (hereinafter referred to as the "The Alliance") was established, bringing together over 50 institutions, including key agricultural research institutes from provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), agricultural universities, and agriculture-related enterprises. The alliance operates under the guidance of the Department of Science, Technology and Education and the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as well as the National Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance.

Mission of the Alliance

Serving National and Local Agricultural Development Needs
The Alliance is committed to meeting the demands of major national and local agricultural science and technology tasks, aligning with national and local agricultural development strategies.

Enhancing Innovation and Service Capabilities
With the goal of improving overall innovation, service, and support capacities, the Alliance relies on the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project, the National Agricultural Science and Technology Alliance, and other innovation platforms to pool domestic and international R&D resources and strengthen scientific and technological cooperation.

Strengthening International Cooperation and Overseas Agricultural Research
Focusing on global technological frontiers, the Alliance aims to enhance innovative efforts, optimize cooperation methods, cultivate outstanding international cooperation entities, and promote overseas agricultural science and technology research and information services, thereby advancing and upgrading the effectiveness of agricultural science and technology on the global stage.

Membership Eligibility

Organizations or institutions that commit to fulfilling the obligations of Alliance membership and meet one of the following criteria may voluntarily apply to become a member of the National Agricultural Science and Technology International Cooperation Alliance. After going through the required approval process, membership will be granted.

Eligible organizations include:

• National ministries, provincial, and local government entities

• National, provincial, and local agricultural research institutes and international cooperation units

• Agricultural universities

• Foreign-related agricultural enterprises, relevant academic organizations, and international partners

Application Process for Becoming a Member of the Alliance

1. Legal entities or organizations must submit a formal letter of application to the Alliance.

2. Submit the official application form for Alliance membership (with the official seal).

3. The application will be reviewed and approved by the Alliance's governing council.

4. Once approved, the applicant must sign the relevant documents to officially join the Alliance.

5. The Alliance Secretariat, on behalf of the governing council, will issue a membership certificate to the new member.

Membership Rights

• Members can participate in shared exchange activities via the Alliance’s annual report and newsletter.

• Attend the Alliance's annual meeting.

• Participate in talent development, training programs, study tours, and other domestic and international exchange activities organized by the Alliance.

• Join academic conferences and related events organized by the Alliance both domestically and internationally.