EAC Countries Unite to Boost Cross-Border Agroecological Trade: Seven Key Resolutions Adopted in Jinja Conference

By Our Reporter

Participants of the Regional Conference on Enhancing Cross-Border Trade in Agroecological Produce within the East African Community (EAC) have issued seven resolutions aimed at boosting this crucial sector for the economies of member states.

The week-long conference, held in Jinja, Uganda, brought together stakeholders from government, the private sector, farmers, researchers, and journalists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the DRC.

Reading the conference resolutions, the General Coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Dr. Million Belay, said that about 100 people met and discussed ways to collaborate and advance the vision of agroecological trade within the EAC.

“We agreed that every stakeholder should fulfill their responsibilities to ensure accelerated regional economic growth through agroecology. We are calling on governments and all stakeholders to fully implement commitments to eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and simplify customs procedures,” he said.

He noted that in the EAC region, participants resolved to establish designated areas and market infrastructure for agroecological products at local and border markets, expand the Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), and strengthen monitoring systems to boost consumer trust.

Dr. Belay also said that EAC countries should strengthen the capacity of producers’ organizations and traders in collective marketing, learning, and advocacy; and invest in cold storage facilities, transportation, and public infrastructure that supports agroecological trade.

They also aim to promote financial inclusion through the harmonization of regional currencies and equitable digital financial systems; support the mutual recognition of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) among member states; and integrate agroecology into EAC trade, climate change, and agricultural policies.

The coordinator added that they agreed that policymakers should align national policies with agroecology priorities to promote sustainable growth and green economic transformation.

“Budget prioritization is needed to support agroecology in the EAC (production, research, standards, certification), and governments should support research and development in agroecology across the region.”

On her part, the Program Coordinator from Trans Community Kenya, Rachael Mohmoh, said Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should review relevant standards to encourage the inclusion of agroecological principles.

“We must advocate for the alignment of agroecological trade policies, support the strengthening of border infrastructure (cold rooms, laboratories) for agroecological trade, and enhance the capacity of policymakers and traders regarding this trade,” she said.

Rachael added that researchers also have a responsibility to push for agroecological policy reforms, including certification systems for agroecological products to improve recognition and traceability.

She further emphasized the need for community awareness campaigns on agroecology and its trade, the inclusion of agroecology in educational curricula at all levels, and the review of existing curricula to incorporate agroecology elements.

The Chairperson of the Women Cross-Border Traders Association in Busia, Uganda, Mariam Babu, said stakeholders should work together to remove barriers hindering the transportation of agroecological products among EAC member states to ensure timely delivery.

Babu added that there is also a need for special machines at customs offices to speed up product clearance, and to strengthen cooperation in transporting agroecological products to ensure efficiency.

The Director of Organic Moringa Herbal in Tanzania, Dr. Sebastian Msapalla, said it is time for stakeholders to collaborate in establishing special cross-border trade routes and markets within the EAC for agroecological products.

He also stressed the need for regular regional meetings for traders and stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, exchange information, and ensure continuous awareness campaigns on agroecology at all border posts.

“We also resolved to prioritize full participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in all trade activities, and to champion trader-driven advocacy efforts to influence policies and create an enabling environment for agroecological trade,” he said.

The participants further resolved that media outlets should use their platforms to promote agroecological trade through various channels such as social media, increase visibility, and highlight success stories and narratives of transformation within the agroecological value chain.

Similarly, participants agreed to promote specialized journalism on agroecology and its products so that the public can gain proper understanding.

Participant Bayera Jane said that the conference attendees also urged farmers to commit to increasing production and improving the quality of agroecological products to strengthen value chains and facilitate regional trade.

“To build the capacity of women and youth to participate fully in agroecological trade and projects for inclusive economic growth, and to collaborate with regional and border market leaders to improve market access and product distribution within the EAC,” she said.