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Project Overview

So, what’s the problem

In Uganda, the rural agriculture sector is a main contributor to its economy, contributing to 42% of the national gross product and 80% of its export earnings. 84% of it’s working population are also employed in the sector and in rural areas, farming is the main source of income and of those working in the sector, 90% are women.

Therefore, the importance of the sector to securing livelihoods, increasing incomes and reducing poverty is integral.

However, challenges are faced by farmers, producers and exporters and others along the value chain in managing pests and diseases on farms and meeting international phytosanitary trade requirements. These challenges cause the horticulture value chain to not meet its full potential in producing and exporting fresh fruits and vegetables (FFVs). Challenges include: excessing residue levels, poor agronomic practices, inadequate extension services, poor markets and market infrastructure, weak producer groups and poor coordination amongst stakeholders.

Exporters have faced great losses where produce is being intercepted by EU markets because of pests. For example, the false codling moth was found in chillies and Trioza app was identified in curry leaves. As a result, Uganda face a temporary export ban on chillies and further impending bans on other FFVs such as jack fruit, mango, basil and okra.

In order for Uganda to meet the Government’s Uganda Vision 2040 in using agriculture to strengthen the economy and transform society to a modern, prosperous country, the agriculture sector need to improve its capacity in regulations and enforcements and comply with phytosanitary rules.

What is this project doing?

The project’s overall goal was to improve market access to the EU, other high-end and regional markets for Uganda’s FFVs, with its key purpose to improve compliance with international phytosanitary standards for the production and export of FFVs. In doing so, efforts would lead to market growth, sustain the incomes of producers and their employees, increase economic development, reduce poverty and increase food security.

Expected outputs of this project included:

1. Diagnostic mapping of partners and the formation of a multi-stakeholder platform, identifying priority areas for capacity building and input on inspection and certification
2. A capacity development plan to include the training of inspectors, farm scouts, farmers, transporters and traders on pest management, conducting inspections and managing pack houses
3. Streamlining the inspection and certification system based on public-private partnerships
4. A specific phytosanitary survey and monitoring systems will be developed and made operational
5. A marketing strategy on exporting Uganda FFVs with the aim to increase exportation to new and existing markets
6. Awareness and support at a national level, and in the horticulture sector, of project systems and outputs for inspection and certification will be raised

CABI was contracted by STDF to manage the project, ensuring the project is delivered in a timely manner, resources are allocated as needed and quality work is undertaken by providers. CABI also provided technical oversight on all project deliverables at varying levels of input.