China Agriculture University released a research paper Monday that offered ways to help Africa develop its agricultural industry in the wake of the government's efforts to boost Sino- African agricultural cooperation.

The report, entitled Comparison of Agriculture for Development in China and Africa, analyzed data to look for problems and solutions.

"The main factor constraining the development of African agriculture is insufficient investment," said the report. "The foundation for the development of African agriculture is the transformation of small farm production systems."

Li Xiaoyun, dean of the university's humanities and development studies, said the study is meant to help African countries learn from China in developing its own agriculture.

The report recommended construction of multiple cropping and specialized crops belts, among others factors, to increase production yields.

Victoria Sekitoleko, Food and Agriculture Organizations chief representative in China and former minister of agriculture of the Ugandan government, told the Global Times that she believes those recommendations are applicable, although she argued that those recommendations are not effective enough in some sense.

"Beyond the culture and government policies, there are things that the report didn't mention. For example, the suggestion of building crop belts in Africa, a continent segmented into many countries, will take a long time for different governments to take a seat and finally agree to do it," said Sekitoleko.

Sekitoleko suggested that more applicable measures for Africa should be based on better understanding of Africans.

Sekitoleko said she was glad to see that there are many communication channels being set up between Africa and China.

At the fourth ministerial conference Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Sharm El Sheikh in November, Premier Wen Jiabao announced eight new measures to enhance China-Africa cooperation. Agriculture was among the ideas.

In a press conference held Sunday at the 3rd Session of the 11th National People's Congress, China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said follow-up measures on issues raised at the conference are on track.