Chinese Government provides technical assistance on small-scale, water-controlled agriculture

In August 2002, Nigeria committed to spending $20 million to modernize the agricultural sector using the Chinese technique, according to Agriculture Minister Adamu Bello, since the traditional rain-fed farming was not as profitable.

The project involved the construction of 3,000 small dams that would be used in 'small-scale, water-controlled agriculture.' 10,000 Nigerians were trained on how to build and control small dams within the initial four years that the Chinese team worked in the country. Four or five small dams were built in each local government area within the period.

Bello also said the program would lead to enhanced GDP and environmental protection.

The $20 million was an investment funded by Nigeria, but the financial value for the contributions of China and the FAO remain unknown. Loan applications and disbursements are still being received and processed as the projects continue to evolve. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are in place to ensure project continuity.