Anyango Benter, a Kenyan doctoral student at Shanghai Ocean University, credited her growth as a specialist in global aquaculture to her Chinese mentor's guidance.

Benter put forward a rice-fish farming technology transfer proposal during a World Bank session at World Aquaculture India 2025. The initiative aims to bring Shanghai Ocean University's established rice-fish farming systems to rice-growing African nations to aid poverty alleviation efforts.

With her mentor's support, the proposal has grown into a formal project featuring feasibility studies across eight African countries, followed by a 5-year technology transfer program backed by Shanghai Ocean University and African Development Bank.

Benter's academic achievements have earned international recognition.

In 2025, she was elected Student Director of the World Aquaculture Society for a one-year term and served as an international ambassador for Shanghai Ocean University.

In 2026, Benter took part in Aquaculture Singapore as a representative of Shanghai Ocean University and participated in the Africa-Asia Aquaculture Development Partnerships side events as a delegate and panelist, where she shared her perspective as an African student studying in Asia.

Benter attributes much of her growth to her Chinese professor's dedication and consistent support.

On Aug 18, Benter and her professor introduced the history and achievements of Shanghai Ocean University's College of Fisheries and Life Science to Manuel Barange, assistant director-general and director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Most recently, Benter was invited by the FAO to represent youth at a COFI-37 side event in Rome, Italy.

Source: Shanghai Ocean University