A remarkable contribution from rice diplomacy

In the heart of Africa, a continent brimming with agricultural potential, a stark reality persists: millions grapple with the harsh grip of hunger. The paradox is glaring - vast tracts of fertile land lie fallow. While there are wealthy nations on the continent, such as South Africa and Egypt, they are the exception.

“Almost 240 million people, or better put, one out of every four people in sub-Saharan Africa, lack access to adequate food,” Prince Oye Akinsemoyin, President of the Nigeria - Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NVCCI), wrote in research he sent to a recent international workshop in Hanoi. The urgency to address this food insecurity in Africa has never been more pressing.

Amid this challenge, a beacon of hope emerges from the East. Vietnam, once a nation grappling with food shortages, has orchestrated a remarkable transformation, becoming a global rice powerhouse. It has now extended a hand of partnership to Africa, driven by the spirit of South-South cooperation.

Vietnam’s rice diplomacy is not merely about exporting grain; it’s about sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and cultivating sustainable agricultural practices. It’s about empowering countries that are less developed than others in Africa to harness their own potential and achieve food security. The narrative that unfolds is one of mutual benefit, where Vietnam’s expertise and Africa’s resources converge to create a future where hunger is vanquished and prosperity flourishes.

Vietnam’s rice miracle

The narrative of Vietnam’s agricultural transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. As Dr. Pham Ngoc Mau, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), articulated, the country has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, “transitioning from a food-deficit country to the world’s second-largest rice exporter in the past 30 years.” This “rice miracle” attests to the country’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to agricultural development.

The bedrock of this success lies in a trifecta of factors: policy reforms, agricultural innovation, and substantial investments in research and development (R&D). The Vietnamese Government has played a pivotal role, implementing policies that incentivize farmers, promote sustainable practices, and facilitate market access. Simultaneously, the country has embraced agricultural innovation, adopting advanced technologies and cultivating high-yield, resilient rice varieties. The launch of the “Sustainable Development of 1 Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Linked to Green Growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030” project further underscores Vietnam’s dedication to a future of sustainable and bountiful rice production.

The resilience of Vietnam’s rice production system is particularly noteworthy. Despite facing formidable challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and global market fluctuations, the country has consistently maintained high levels of production and exports. This resilience demonstrates the adaptability and ingenuity of Vietnamese farmers as well as the robustness of agricultural infrastructure and support systems put in place.

In 2023 alone, Vietnam exported a staggering 8.13 million tons of rice, valued at $4.67 billion; a significant increase compared to previous years. Its rice sector has demonstrated that with strategic vision and concerted effort, food security and sustainable development can be achieved even in the face of formidable challenges.

Sharing the harvest: Vietnam’s South-South cooperation

Vietnam’s commitment to sharing its agricultural expertise is deeply ingrained in its diplomatic approach. The country has actively engaged in South-South cooperation with African countries, fostering partnerships that transcend geographical boundaries. As Dr. Mau highlighted, “Over 2,000 Vietnamese agricultural experts have been sent to several African countries ... to assist in rice, maize, and aquaculture production.”

These collaborations, often facilitated through bilateral or trilateral agreements with organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), or the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), have yielded tangible results. In many instances, Vietnamese technical assistance has led to a tripling of rice yields in many African nations, showcasing the transformative potential of knowledge exchange.

The significance of such collaborations is echoed by Ms. Marion Chaminade, Agricultural Counsellor of the French Embassy in Hanoi. “Food insecurity, with nutrition, education, employment, climate change, desertification, biodiversity preservation, water resources, and health, are the greatest challenges facing Africa these days,” she said. “South-South cooperation is essential to address global challenges and achieve the SDGs [UN Sustainable Development Goals].” In fact, through FEF-R, a project financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France shows its strong support for Vietnam in its cooperation projects with other countries from the South in the fields of agroecology and the development of sustainable practices in rice farming.

The Vietnam - FAO - Sierra Leone tripartite agreement, signed in November 2023, exemplifies the impact of such collaboration. This landmark agreement, according to Mr. Bui Ha Nam, Director of the Middle East and Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “opens a new phase in South-South cooperation in agriculture between Vietnam and Africa.” It underscores Vietnam’s dedication to supporting Africa’s food system transformation and ensuring food security for its people.

Beyond rice cultivation, Vietnam’s South-South cooperation extends to other agricultural sectors. The country is keen to share its expertise in cashew and coffee production and promote climate-smart agricultural practices and technologies.

The transfer of knowledge, technology, and best practices is not a one-way street; it is a dynamic process that fosters mutual learning and growth. “The collaboration between Vietnam and African countries is exemplary and shows Vietnam’s leadership in promoting sustainable rice farming practices through South-South cooperation by fostering knowledge exchange and seeking mutual development,” Ms. Sonja Esche from the German Organization for Development Cooperation (GIZ) in Vietnam observed.

Mutual benefits: A win-win partnership

The blossoming agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and Africa is not merely a tale of altruism from shared history and level of development; it is also a strategic partnership that yields mutual benefits. For Vietnam, this rice diplomacy translates into expanded market access, fortified diplomatic ties, and a burnished global reputation.

For a global rice exporter like Vietnam, the African continent, with its burgeoning population and vast agricultural potential, represents a promising frontier for further market expansion. Moreover, these collaborations strengthen Vietnam’s diplomatic relations with African nations, fostering goodwill and cooperation on a broader scale. The country’s proactive role in addressing global food security challenges also enhances its standing on the international stage.

For Africa, the benefits are equally profound. The continued transfer of knowledge, technology, and best practices from Vietnam has the potential to significantly improve food security, increase agricultural productivity, and drive sustainable development.

The success stories of Vietnamese agricultural experts helping to triple rice yields in some African countries reflect this impact. As H.E. Abu Bakar Karim, Ambassador of Sierra Leone in China and former Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, emphasized, “We, the South-South Community, are sensitive to the potential that food security has to make the world resilient.”

Furthermore, Vietnam’s rice diplomacy is not just about sharing a harvest; it’s about sowing the seeds of self-sufficiency and sustainable growth in Africa. It’s a partnership that empowers African nations to take charge of their own agricultural destiny, fostering resilience and prosperity for generations to come.

Stumbling blocks

While the path of South-South cooperation is paved with good intentions and promising outcomes, it is not without its hurdles. The scale of agricultural challenges in Africa is immense, and the resources required for comprehensive transformation are substantial.

The overarching consensus among experts and diplomats is that while Vietnam possesses the willingness and expertise to support African nations in need, the greatest hurdle lies in the lack of financial resources.

Dr. Mau candidly acknowledged that “the number of South-South cooperation projects in agriculture between Vietnam and Africa remains modest.” The sentiment was echoed by Mr. Nam, who stressed the importance of securing funding from development partners and the private sector to implement these projects.

The financial constraint underscores the critical need for tripartite cooperation, where Vietnam and Africa actively seek out third-party partners with the financial capacity to facilitate and bolster these collaborative endeavors.

The path to a food-secure Africa is clear, but it requires a concerted effort to bridge the financial gap and unlock the full potential of South-South cooperation.

Furthermore, navigating the complexities of diverse agricultural systems, climatic conditions, and socio-economic contexts across the African continent requires nuanced and adaptive approaches.

However, amid these challenges lie a wealth of opportunities. The potential for further collaboration in areas like cashew and coffee production, agri-tech innovation, and climate-smart agriculture is immense. Vietnam’s experience in these sectors, coupled with its commitment to sustainable development, positions it as a valuable partner for African nations.

The “Green Innovation Centers (GIC)” project, supported by GIZ, is a prime example of how third parties such as international organizations can play a catalytic role in fostering such collaborations. The project’s focus on promoting innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices aligns perfectly with the goals of South-South cooperation and has brought significant results.

The private sector also has a crucial role to play. Vietnamese agri-tech companies, with their cutting-edge solutions and business models, can contribute significantly to Africa’s agricultural modernization. The participation of businesses like the Vedico Agriculture Group, as highlighted in the workshop, demonstrates the potential for private sector engagement in driving sustainable agricultural development.

Furthermore, civil society organizations, with their deep understanding of local contexts and grassroots networks, can facilitate knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and community empowerment.

The journey towards a food-secure and sustainable future for Africa, and indeed the world, necessitates such collaborative endeavors. The seeds of hope sown through Vietnam’s rice diplomacy have the potential to blossom into a bountiful harvest, nourishing not just bodies but also the spirit of partnership and shared prosperity. The road ahead is illuminated by the promise of continued collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to building a world where food security is not a privilege but a fundamental right for all.