China and Africa tied together by roots of agriculture

Li Yi and Kiprotich Wesly Cheruiyot share a common quest but are separated by the best part of 9,000 kilometers.

In fact, they don't even know one another. Yet they are the quintessential model of international people-to-people exchanges. The Chinese Li lives in Kenya and is now making social contributions to her adopted country; the Kenyan Kiprotich has lived in China for the past 10 years, getting an education that he hopes soon to turn into a good account in his homeland.

Another thing they have in common is a hands-on passion for agriculture, which would have been scarcely plausible just three years ago when Li appeared to be destined for a stellar career in the commercial world.