China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards is an international program launched by China Agricultural University in 2019. By combining scientific and technological innovation with the cultivation of talents and the provision of social services, the program provides sci-tech and talent support that benefits agricultural development in Africa. Successful Chinese practices, especially related to the modernization of small farming households, are introduced to the world through the program. In addition, China-Africa cooperation and cultural exchanges are enhanced. In this edition, Margaret Simisi, a student from Malawi, shares her experiences in living and working in rural China. In first-person narrative, the research member of the China-Africa Science and Technology Backyards program details her devotion to studying agricultural techniques, which will eventually benefit the development of her home country.
My name is Margaret Simisi. I am 27, and I come from Malawi, a beautiful country in southeastern Africa. These days, I find myself thousands of kilometers from home, in China, pursuing my passion and continuing my education.
Down to Earth
I am currently studying resource utilization and plant protection, a program that allows me to explore innovative ways of improving agricultural productivity, while preserving our environment. At present, I am based at the Qianya Science and Technology Backyard (STB), in Quzhou, a county in Handan, a city in North China's Hebei Province.
What makes my learning experiences truly unique is being based at an STB, a one-of-a-kind initiative that brings researchers, students and farmers together, in the same space. The concept is simple, yet transformative: Take scientific research out of the controlled environment of the laboratory, and bring it directly to the farmers' fields, where the research can create real, visible changes.
Living and working in Qianya Village has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. I have been involved in establishing field trials, for the preparation of experimental plots, applying various fertilizer treatments, and planting maize, under carefully designed nutrient-management strategies. This hands-on experience has given me a deep appreciation for every step of the farming process, from soil preparation to the final harvest.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the direct interaction with local farmers. The farmers possess an intimate understanding of their land. The knowledge they share — whether about seasonal weather patterns, soil conditions or early signs of crop stress — is invaluable. These exchanges always remind me that science and traditional wisdom are not opposites, but rather powerful allies in building sustainable agriculture.
Throughout growing season, I participated in systematic data collection, including measuring plant height, counting leaves, sampling soil and plant tissue, and recording final yields at harvest. Watching the results unfold, in real time, has been incredibly fulfilling. Small adjustments in nutrient management can translate into visible improvements in crop health. Witnessing the transformation has been one of the highlights of my work.
Cultural Immersion
Life in the village, in the Chinese countryside, has been a cultural immersion, which has enriched my experiences. I have learned basic Chinese words and phrases, to communicate more effectively with farmers. In turn, they have welcomed me into their daily lives.
I have shared meals with farming families, and I have worked alongside them during weeding and watering sessions. I have also participated in local festivals. Such moments of connection have helped me build trust, and develop a true sense of belonging to the community.
Of course, my journey has not been without challenges. There have been days when the physical demands of field work have tested my endurance. There have been times when the language barrier has slowed communications. Yet, each challenge has shaped me into a more patient, resilient and adaptable researcher.
Those experiences have taught me that agricultural research goes beyond data collection and statistical analysis; instead, it is ultimately about people, building relationships and mutual respect.
Farmers are far more likely to embrace new techniques when they feel they are being understood, and especially when they realize we are working alongside them.
Moving to China has been a journey of personal growth. When I first arrived in Beijing, I was amazed by the Chinese capital's modern transportation system, digital-payment technology, and the rich cultural heritage, which has been carefully preserved. I eventually moved to Quzhou County, where I am now living and working, in Qianya Village, at the STB site.
Life here is slower, and closer to nature. Living here has given me the chance to experience farming in a very practical way. Each day, I get to observe real agricultural-production processes, collect and analyze soil and crop data, and work closely with farmers to understand their needs and struggles. This hands-on experience has changed the way I view research; it is no longer just something done for academic purposes, but rather something that can truly transform lives.
Take Gains Back Home
My journey in China has taught me several important lessons. First, I have learned the value of cross-cultural communications. Chinese and Malawian farmers may be from different continents, but they share many similarities: They are hardworking and resilient, and they face common challenges, such as soil degradation, pests and climate change.
Through meaningful conversations, I have realized science and technology are not only tools for solving problems, but also can be a bridge that connects people from different countries and cultures. Second, I have developed practical skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
At the STB, we work in teams, composed of students from different colleges, and even from various countries. Together, we design field trials, collect data, analyze results and discuss solutions. This collaborative environment has taught me how important it is to share ideas, learn from others and support one another. Agriculture is not a one-person effort; it requires collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to progress.
Looking to the future, I hope to take the knowledge and experiences I have gained in China back to Malawi, to turn them into practical solutions that can benefit my community. My goal is to help farmers improve their farming methods, promote better fertilizer management, and practice soil-conservation techniques, which will not only boost yields, but also protect the health of the land for generations to come.
I am particularly passionate about developing low-cost, practical and scalable technologies that fit the realities of smallholders, who make up the majority of agricultural producers in Malawi. Many farmers have limited resources, and they cannot afford expensive equipment or inputs. So, solutions must be both effective and affordable.
Most importantly, I want to inspire other young people, especially women, to join the agricultural sector, to see it not as a last resort, but as a field full of opportunities for innovation, leadership and change. Agriculture is the heartbeat of an economy. With knowledge and the right tools, it can be a pathway to prosperity. I believe agriculture is a universal language — it connects people, nations and generations. Science, on the other hand, is a powerful force, which can shape the future.
Photos from Interviewee
(Women of China English Monthly December 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
