"Laowai" in China | Rwandan student learns maize cultivation techniques in China

August 30, 2024

Abstract : Gatera, a 31-year-old Rwandan, is a PhD student at Anhui Agricultural University, specializing in maize breeding. In 2019, Gatera received a scholarship from the Chinese government and came to Anhui Agricultural University for his master's and doctoral studies.

HEFEI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Gatera, a 31-year-old Rwandan, is a PhD student at Anhui Agricultural University, specializing in maize breeding. In 2019, Gatera received a scholarship from the Chinese government and came to Anhui Agricultural University for his master's and doctoral studies.

Gatera and his classmate prepare chemical sprays at a maize field affiliated to Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

Gatera looks for books at a library of Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)

Gatera (C) and his doctoral mentor Song Youhong (R) study at Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

During the summer vacation, Gatera and his classmates kept themselves occupied in the laboratory, by observing pollen samples and collecting experimental data. By studying the effects of heat stress and drought stress on the pollen of maize, Gatera focused on developing drought-resistant and heat-tolerant maize varieties. He believes that this research is quite meaningful in the context of global warming.

Gatera (R) and his classmate observe pollen samples at laboratory of Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

Gatera does research work at the laboratory of Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

"In my hometown of Rwanda, maize is one of the main crops, but agricultural technology is relatively underdeveloped. China has advanced technology and is willing to share it with countries in need. I want to bring the knowledge that I learned in China back to my hometown and contribute to agricultural development there," Gatera said.

A drone photo shows Gatera (R) and his classmate studying at a maize field affiliated to Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

An aerial drone photo shows Gatera (top) and his classmate studying at a maize field affiliated to Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

Gatera checks the maize at a field affiliated to Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

Gatera observes the maize at a field affiliated to Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

Gatera regards the late legendary Chinese scientist Yuan Longping as his idol, believing that Yuan's work with hybrid rice has solved food security issues in many parts of the world and has inspired many young researchers like himself. "I hope that through my studies and research, Africa can produce more food and improve people's lives," he said.

Gatera looks for books at a library of Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Duan)

Gatera and his classmate stroll on the campus of Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Bohan)

Gatera makes a video call with his family member on the campus of Anhui Agricultural University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Fu Tian)

Talent cultivation is just one aspect of the constant agricultural exchanges between China and African countries.

By the end of 2023, China had set up 24 agricultural demonstration centers in Africa. By introducing over 300 advanced agricultural technologies, the average yield of local crops has increased by 30 percent to 60 percent, benefiting more than 1 million African farming households.