HARARE, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Seven Chinese agricultural experts were awarded special contribution medals by the Zimbabwean government on Thursday in recognition of their pivotal role in advancing Zimbabwe's agriculture sector.
The medals were presented at a ceremony marking the completion of the fourth phase of the China-aid Senior Agriculture Experts Technical Assistance Project in Zimbabwe, held at the Chinese embassy in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare.
Since arriving in Zimbabwe in September 2023, the experts have traveled across the southern African country, establishing demonstration villages for agricultural cooperation and poverty reduction in Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces.
During their mission, which concluded in September, they provided technical guidance and hands-on training at the demonstration villages, agricultural colleges, and rural communities.
In an address delivered by Dumisani Kutywayo, chief director in the Department of Research, Education and Specialist Services in the ministry, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Resources Development Anxious Masuka, it was noted that the project helped participating smallholder farmers increase their yields and incomes, highlighting the impact of agricultural technology transfer between China and Zimbabwe.
"We are gathered here not merely to witness the formal conclusion of a three-year assignment, but to celebrate a monumental milestone in the enduring time-tested bilateral relations between the Republic of Zimbabwe and our all-weather friend, the People's Republic of China," Kutywayo quoted Masuka as saying.
Kutywayo said the experts' technical expertise significantly contributed to improving local farming practices and increasing agricultural productivity, adding that their achievements align seamlessly with Zimbabwe's national goal of establishing 35,000 village business units across the country to uplift rural livelihoods.
Through training programs at agricultural colleges, the experts provided practical instruction to prospective agricultural extension officers, supporting Zimbabwe's efforts to transform these institutions into centers for commercial production and research, Kutywayo noted.
Chinese team leader Zhao Ke said the project aligned Chinese expertise directly with Zimbabwe's national agricultural strategies, noting that participating smallholder farmers increased their average monthly incomes sevenfold through new community-run projects.
"Today, we celebrate not just the end of our mission, but a shared harvest. It is a harvest of advanced technology, rural empowerment, and lifelong friendship that will support Zimbabwe for decades to come," Zhao said.
During the three years, the team implemented three major projects: basic food plots, a greenhouse for vegetable seedlings, and a public livestock system, Zhao said, adding that average maize yields increased fivefold, while yields from demonstration plots exceeded 8 tonnes per hectare.
Zhao noted that the program adopted a practical approach focused on hands-on production, applied learning, and research, while fostering a transition toward greater self-reliance. Over three years, the team conducted 46 technical training sessions, empowering 2,347 agricultural officials, college lecturers, students, and local technicians.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding described the project as an important pillar of China-Zimbabwe agricultural cooperation, highlighting the targeted technical guidance provided across demonstration villages, colleges, livestock farms, and commercial farms.
Zhou said the awards stand as the highest recognition of the experts' outstanding contributions to Zimbabwe's agricultural development and the bilateral friendship and cooperation between China and Zimbabwe.
Chenai Nyika, vice chairperson of Shade of Hope Cooperative in Zvimba District, Mashonaland West Province, said poultry farming training under the program translated into practical skills, enabling some cooperative members to earn up to 400 U.S. dollars a month by selling day-old chicks, fertilized eggs and layers.
"We had the theoretical know-how, but we did not have the practical knowledge of how to do this business of raising chickens. This team helped every farmer from every angle through a hands-on approach on the ground," she said. ■