By Our International Correspondent
Demadinor Foundation a local organization working with local farmers in rural communities in Sierra Leone has participated in a twenty-day training course on the Technology of Agricultural Water-saving Irrigation for Developing countries in Beijing, China.
The training was organized by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Mechanization Sciences Group Co, Ltd (CAAMS), sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) from 9th – 29th August 2023 in Beijing, China.
The Executive Director of Demadinor Foundation Sierra Leone, Mr. Kandeh Sesay described the training as very important in empowering developing countries in Africa in getting practical knowledge in improving their farming activities. He added that the training seeks to complement the efforts of governments around Africa to boost their agricultural activities in their countries.
“The training focuses on using basic Technology of Agricultural Water-saving Irrigation for developing countries,” he said, adding by emphasizing that the training is timely and essential in boosting farming activities in Africa. He further stated that His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has placed a huge priority on agriculture with his “FEED SALONE” agenda. Mr. Sesay continued by stating that the training received from CAAMS is very rich and would be used to transform the agricultural sector in the country. Therefore, he has called on young people to embrace farming as a full-time business to better their lives. He also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to support Demadinor Foundation to help support local farmers in the country. He concluded by thanking the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone for facilitating the training programs for Sierra Leoneans to attend in China.
The team received lectures from highly profiled Chinese Professors from reputable Chinese Universities in China. Various topics were discussed including the Principles of Water and Fertilizer for Irrigation Technology, Water- saving Irrigation Technology Promotion and Application, Greenhouse Facilities and Conversation Techniques, Safe Efficient Utilization of Reclaimed Water, Agricultural Water Resources and Soil Improvement and Management, China Agricultural Mechanization Extension system, China Agricultural Reforms and Development, Theory of Rainwater Harvesting and Utilization Technology, Water-saving theory and application in Dryland Agriculture, Water Resources and Agricultural Irrigation.