Farmers learn to make soymilk in the Morogoro region of Tanzania. (PHOTO provided by CAU)

By WANG Xiaoxia

"This soymilk tastes good, and I want another cup!" said a village child from the Morogoro region of Tanzania.

Soymilk, rich in flavor and nutrition, is an essential part of traditional Chinese breakfast but a new drink to most Africans. Now, however, it is becoming increasingly popular among Morogoro farmers and plays a supplementary role in their local nutrition.

The connection between this healthy drink and Morogoro farmers, originated from a bilateral agriculture project initiated this year by Chinese agricultural scientist Li Xiaoyun and his team from the China Agricultural University (CAU).

The project, called "Small Bean, Big Nutrition" aims to promote the inter-planting of maize and soybean. Maize is an important staple food for Tanzanian people, said Li, adding that soybean, which is rich in various amino acids and protein, can help improve local nutrition structure.

In collaboration with the Morogoro authorities, experts from CAU selected four villages in the region as the pilot zone. Soybean seeds were distributed to farmers in January this year, with on-site guidance on planting and management provided by technicians and project coordinators.

In late May and June, local farmers harvested soybeans. Using soymilk makers provided by CAU team, they learned how to make soymilk, which has become a firm favorite, leading to a willingness to plant more soybeans next year.

Rozalia Grayson Rwegasira, Assistant Administrative Secretary in Economic and Productive Sector of the Morogoro regional commissioner's office, said the Morogoro authorities will strengthen cooperation with CAU team and support bilateral agricultural projects.

With further development of South-South Cooperation, China's advanced agricultural technologies are being used to help achieve zero hunger in Africa.

Back in 2011, the "Big Harvest with Small Technologies" project was carried out by CAU and Morogoro authorities to improve local maize yields, using Chinese experience. The project now covers more than 1,000 households in 10 villages, and has improved local incomes, welfare and children's education.

From "Big Harvest with Small Technologies" to "Small Bean, Big Nutrition", both are benefitting African farmers by introducing simple but practical techniques applied by Chinese farmers. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CAU teams continue to provide online support for agricultural cooperation projects.

There have never been any others who were as dedicated as the Chinese experts in helping to solve difficulties for African farmers, said Ernest Robert Mkongo, former head of Economic and Productive Sector in Morogoro region, who has been the project coordinator since 2011.