Photo: Fang Jingyi
Influencer
By Daria Fominykh
Felix Dapare Dakora, the immediate past president of the African Academy of Sciences and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, participated as an honorary guest in the 2023 Rural Human Resources Revitalization for Common Prosperity Conference held in Hangzhou's Jiande county on Nov 16.
Dakora's research, both in training and practice, centers on the idea that biological nitrogen fixation is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. By harnessing natural biological processes, he aims to increase food production without affecting the climate.
One of Dakora's groundbreaking projects involved cultivating various legumes in South Africa. Through innovative methods, they utilized green plant residues as biological fertilizers, achieving phenomenal yields. Some results approached a remarkable 100% increase compared to the control groups without any added biological or chemical fertilizers.
Comparing sustainable development in rural areas of China and Ghana, Dakora emphasized on extensive similarities. In China, there is a significant emphasis on sustainable production methods to prevent pollution. While in Africa sustainable practices like crop rotations are essential to maintaining agricultural productivity.
Dakora saw the conference in Jiande as instrumental in promoting sustainable farming practices. "Such gatherings not only provide a platform for sharing research findings but also foster the collaboration between farmers and government departments", he said. He emphasized the importance of farmers working hand in hand with supportive government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Department of Environment, to create a cohesive approach to sustainable agriculture.
Felix Dapare Dakora's work stands as a beacon in the quest for sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, showcasing the potential for natural solutions to address global food production challenges. His efforts bridge continents and inspire a collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.