African students who participated in a Chinese agricultural development program have returned to their home countries, aiming to use they've learned to help local farmers increase grain yields.
In the Science and Technology Backyard program, which （launch）in 2009 at China Agricultural University in Beijing, students conducted research in experimental field s in rural areas while using their （acquire）knowledge to help Chinese farmers. Phiri, one student from Malawi in Africa, expected hopefully, "We are well on our way to establishing successful STBs, purpose is to empower the farmers of Malawi with the knowledge and tools they need （shape）their agricultural futures." Due to poor soil quality and a lack of modern agricultural technologies, the yield for Malawi's main crop, maize, is （relative）low. Many farmers are not growing enough food to sustain （they）.
Phiri and other African students, together with their teachers often engaged in conversations with farmers in the fields. Jiao Xiaoqiang, associate professor in charge of the program, said such （engage）is very necessary. "The core of the project lies bringing technicians and farmers together. Only by truly participating in this process and understanding how to spread technology to farmers can they make a real impact when they return to Africa."
