By Our Reporter, Jinja, Uganda.
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 strengthening agroecological trade and promoting sustainable economic growth across the region.
The week-long conference, held in Jinja, brought together nearly 100 participants, including policymakers, farmers, researchers, traders, and journalists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reading the final communiqué, the General Coordinator of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Dr. Million Belay, said the resolutions seek to accelerate regional integration through agroecology—a system that promotes environmentally friendly, socially inclusive, and economically viable agricultural practices.
“We agreed that all stakeholders must play their part to accelerate regional economic growth through agroecology. Governments and partners should eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs), simplify customs procedures, and improve coordination at border points,” Dr. Belay said.
The participants also urged EAC member states to establish designated market spaces and infrastructure for agroecological products, expand Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to build consumer confidence.
Other resolutions included calls for increased investment in cold storage facilities, transportation networks, and public infrastructure to support agroecological trade; enhancing the capacity of producers and traders through training, collective marketing, and advocacy; and promoting financial inclusion through harmonized regional currencies and digital financial systems.
Dr. Belay further emphasized the need for governments to align national policies with agroecology priorities and allocate adequate budgets for production, research, and certification systems.
“Governments should support research and development to accelerate the adoption of agroecological practices and standards across the region,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Trans Community Kenya Program Coordinator Rachael Mohmoh called for policy reviews to integrate agroecological principles in trade frameworks and for improved infrastructure at border posts, including laboratories and cold storage.
She also urged researchers to advocate for certification systems to enhance recognition and traceability of agroecological products and called for awareness campaigns and curriculum reviews to include agroecology education at all levels.
The Chairperson of the Women Cross-Border Traders Association in Busia, Uganda, Ms. Mariam Babu, highlighted the need to address barriers that delay transportation of agroecological goods between member states.
She proposed the use of specialized machinery at customs offices to expedite clearance.
Tanzania’s Director of Organic Moringa Herbal, Dr. Sebastian Msapalla, echoed the call for collaboration in establishing dedicated cross-border trade routes and regular regional meetings for traders and policymakers.
He said women, youth, and persons with disabilities must be fully involved in all trade activities to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.
The participants also underscored the vital role of the media in advancing the agroecology agenda.
They urged journalists and media outlets to promote agroecological trade through storytelling, social media campaigns, and specialized reporting to increase public awareness.
Ugandan farmer and participant, Ms. Bayera Jane, emphasized the importance of quality and productivity improvements.
“Farmers must commit to enhancing both the quality and quantity of agroecological products to strengthen value chains and promote inclusive regional trade,” she said.
The conference concluded with a collective commitment to transform agroecological trade within the EAC as a driver of sustainable growth, food security, and regional integration.
