Chinese agricultural technology demonstration centres (ATDCs) in Rwanda are more about business opportunities than helping Africans feed themselves, according to reports. The Rwandan government has been trying for years to attract foreign investment into the country, which is struggling with a massive debt and an economy that relies heavily on agriculture as its main source of income. However, a lack of appetite for the fungus and local awareness of the project have proved problematic.
Chinese agricultural technology demonstration centres (ATDCs) in Rwanda are more about business opportunities than helping Africans feed themselves, according to reports. Building on 13 years of investment, totalling more than $300m, ATDCs have set up mushroom farms in the country, with Chinese experts trying to help Rwandan farmers become self-sufficient, and giving China a business foothold in the continent. However, a lack of appetite for the fungus and local awareness of the project have proved problematic.