Tackling rural poverty, together

On February 21, a Platform delegation participated in the DAC/POVNET meeting on China´s experiences in rural poverty reduction at home and in Africa, Paris.

Main objective of the Platform participation consisting of Uwe Wissenbach (EC) and Sonja Bartelt:

• Active participation of the GDPRD with DAC and POVNET members, follow-up of dialogue with Chinese delegation;
• Establishing contacts and assessing ability for inviting Chinese delegation to upcoming CAADP PP, March 18-20, Seychelles.

Main observations and outcomes:

1. Thematically rich lessons learned from China´s experience in rural poverty reduction in China, highlighting success factors of the Chinese approach.
2. No official representative from China´s Foreign Aid Management (i.e. Ministry of Commerce or Agriculture), therefore no official contacts established (i.e. no new contacts for the CAADP PP).
3. Provision of insights to understand Chinese rationale for foreig aid in Africa.
4. Replicating Chinese lessons learned in rural poverty reduction need to be seen cautiously as Africa is chracterized by different pre-conditions to China: weak state institutions, little rural infrastructure, no basic skills available in rural areas. China had started to enter the demographic transition (both birth rates and death rates falling) well before agricultural reforms began. China has rather a comparative advantage in providing rural infrastructure than agricultural development.

For the interested reader, it is suggested to follow Professor Li´s presentation on an overview to Chinese Aid in Africa. The  Mission Report highlights main findings and discussions of the meeting and provides links to the presentations.