Chinese Agriculture Development Cooperation in Africa: Narratives and Politics
Abstract
Chinese agriculture engagements are redefining the 鈥榓id鈥� landscape, moving from a paradigm of development assistance to one of development cooperation mixed with investment. China's leadership asserts that this approach 鈥榠nfuses new life鈥� into South鈥揝outh cooperation and 鈥榩romote[s] the establishment of a fair and rational new international political and economic order鈥� (GOV 2010: 2). Based on a review of documents and interviews with 30 informants, this article explores Chinese discourses, justifications and critiques underpinning China鈥揂frica cooperation in agriculture. While mainstream Chinese discourse on China鈥揂frica agriculture cooperation focuses on the mutual advantages and the opportunities these create, some are developing alternative frameworks for China鈥揂frica agriculture cooperation. China's approach in African agriculture reflects both current debates and historical experiences of modernising and liberalising China's own rural economy. The article concludes that a more nuanced understanding of Chinese motivations can support constructive and active engagement by African partners with China.
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Citation
Buckley, L. Chinese Agriculture Development Cooperation in Africa: Narratives and Politics. IDS Bulletin (2013) 44 (4) 42-52. [Special Issue: China and Brazil in African Agriculture, edited by I. Scoones, L. Cabral and H. Tugendhat] [DOI: 10.1111/1759-5436.12041]