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Project Overview

So, what’s the problem

The EAC is one of the fastest-growing regional economic economies. Agriculture contributes significantly to this. Approximately 80% of the EAC population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, the trade of agriculture between EAC partner states is hindered by among others, unharmonized sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards including different entry and exit points, inspection procedures, lack of diagnostic capacity, equipment and certification schemes to ensure market standards are delivered safely and efficiently.

Due to the absence of robust SPS systems, countries are exposed to risks including the spread and introduction of animal and plant pests and diseases and food safety threats such as pesticide residues and toxins. As a result, produce is intercepted because of non-compliance.

Furthermore, market access to regional and international high-value markets is threatened while informal cross-border trade of livestock, fruits and vegetables and food crops in the EAC, heighten SPS-related risks and impede livelihoods and agricultural activity.

To address these issues, the EAC Secretariat took some important steps to create common SPS standards that are harmonized among partner states, also referred to as the EAC SPS Legal Framework (ESLF).

What is this project doing?

The USDA-supported Trade of Agriculture Safely and Efficiently in East Africa (TRASE) project, implemented by Land O’Lakes Venture 37 (V37) will build on the success of the ESLF, assessing SPS systems across the EAC, investment opportunities and increasing the capacity among EAC partner states with the aim of easing SPS-related barriers, regionally and internationally, and creating new trade opportunities in agriculture.

During the initial stages of the project, CABI worked in partnership with targeted EAC Partner States, USDA and other stakeholders. CABI and KO Associates’ (KOA) role was to conduct a technical and legal assessment of SPS systems in EAC that will help prioritize SPS investment options and improve both regional and international trade, further strengthening regional integration of the EAC in five EAC countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

CABI is now providing ongoing technical support and training to address gaps identified in the assessment.

Technical support will increase capacity for surveillance, notifications and emergency response in four EAC countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, with a specific focus on enlisted quarantine pests and diseases posing emerging threats.

Training, by CABI, for Plant Health Inspectors in the EAC countries, both from the national plant protection organisation (NPPOs) and private sector actors, will increase NPPOs and private sector associations’ inspection capacity and increase the adoption of risk-based inspections through public-private partnerships (PPP).

Plant Health Inspectors play a crucial role in protecting plant health across trade, agriculture, and the environment. Plant health inspectors shall have experience in professional horticulture, with excellent plant, pest and disease identification skills and an understanding of biosecurity measures.