Socio-Economic Context
China is the world’s most populous country and the second-largest economy, with significant progress made in poverty reduction, agricultural transformation, and food security over the past four decades. As a result of sustained economic growth and large-scale rural development programmes, China lifted over 800 million people out of poverty and achieved the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving hunger ahead of schedule.
Despite these achievements, China continues to face complex challenges, including regional disparities in development, a growing elderly population, and the increasing impacts of climate change on food systems. As the country deepens its efforts toward carbon neutrality and rural revitalization, the focus has shifted from poverty alleviation to inclusive, sustainable development.
China has emerged as both a development partner and a provider of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC). Through its collaboration with WFP, China shares policy experience, technical knowledge, and innovative solutions with countries across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
The Government of China, through its partnership with WFP, brings forward a wealth of knowledge and experience to advance global SSTC efforts. Drawing on decades of development gains and institutional learning, China shares targeted expertise across four thematic pillars: Poverty Reduction; Value Chain Development for Smallholders; Post-harvest Loss Management and Food Systems; and Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Resilience.
SSTC Engagement
For a brief list of Chinese policies relevant to SSTC, please click here.
For an overview of SSTC engagement in China please see the WFP China Centre of Excellence’s knowledge platform.
For an overview of WFP SSTC projects funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, please click here.
Technical Expertise & Capacities
Smallholder Support
China’s transformation of smallholder farming systems—characterized by inclusive value chains, rural e-commerce, and public procurement mechanisms—offers scalable models for peer countries seeking to boost smallholder resilience and market access. Through policy exchange and demonstration projects, China supports governments in adapting these tools to local contexts.
Post-Harvest Loss Reduction
In addressing post-harvest loss and food waste, China contributes proven innovations in storage, logistics, and policy enforcement. Its integrated approach spans from farm to fork, offering practical insights for countries facing inefficiencies in food systems.
Disaster Risk Reduction & Nutrition
China’s experience in disaster risk reduction and nutrition programming further supports national capacities to build resilient, people-centered food security strategies. Whether through early warning systems, fortified food development, or rural nutrition education, China continues to be a strategic knowledge partner in the global fight against hunger.
Institutions Involved
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (MARA), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS), The Finance Center for South-South Cooperation (FCSSC), WFP China Centre of Excellence, National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration (NAFRA), Nanjing Agricultural University, Northwest A&F University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), Henan University of Technology (HAUT), Central Agricultural Broadcasting and Television School of China (CABTS)
SSTC Modalities
- Study visits
- Policy dialogues
- Virtual trainings/webinars
- In-person trainings
- Knowledge product development
- Staff secondment
- In-field visit in recipient countries
SSTC examples & case studies
MARA–WFP SSTC Country Field Project: Strengthening Smallholder Resilience in Ecuador
Post-Harvest Loss Management
2019-2023
Links to external platforms or government portals
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
- Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences
- The Finance Center for South-South Cooperation
- WFP China Centre of Excellence Knowledge Platform – related links
- WFP China Centre of Excellence Cloud School
- National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration (NAFRA)
- Nanjing Agricultural University
- Northwest A&F University
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU)
- Henan University of Technology (HAUT)
- Central Agricultural Broadcasting and Television School of China (CABTS)