China is introducing new agricultural techniques in São Tomé and Príncipe, aiming to increase production and fight poverty in rural areas.
With more than 400 inhabitants, the Caldeiras farm was chosen by a technical team from China to be the pilot area for the project, and new cultivation techniques were introduced to increase maize production.
“We are building a pilot project that should serve as a teaching aid for other communities,” said the Chinese Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe, Xu Yingzhen.
Caldeiras and its surroundings traditionally produce large amounts of cereals on the island of São Tomé, especially corn. The technical team from China has already installed drip irrigation systems in the local school garden.
Other innovations include greenhouses for the production of vegetables throughout the year.
Farmers in Caldeiras are now being trained in agricultural management and in pest control techniques. Technicians from China are teaching domestic farmers to use biological methods to eliminate insects and pests.
The Chinese team also installed seven energy-saving stoves in Caldeiras, for the elementary school and kindergarten canteens.
“The stoves allow the reduction of the use of firewood in the order of 50 per cent, thus contributing to sustainable development and the fight against climate change,” said Xu.
Poultry farming is another part of the project, aiming to increase the production of meat and eggs in the community. China’s technical team has already built 10 hen houses that are managed by community members
In addition to food production, China supports the education sector in Caldeiras. Xu highlighted education as the lever for the progress of any society.
“That’s why we offer toys to the children, as well as mobile phones and tablets… as a prize for the best students,” said Xu.
The pilot project has already brought together farmers in a cooperative, to improve local coordination, CLBrief reported.
