The story

In Uganda, agriculture is a significant source of income for most people. The industry employs 84% of the working population and supports 80% of the country’s export earnings. 

But several years ago, profitable exports to EU markets were hindered when Uganda failed to meet sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures such as quarantine standards. Uganda put in place a self-imposed ban on chillies and other horticultural goods. At the heart of the problem were plant pests and high pesticide residues. The ban affected the country’s smallholder farmers. 

Bans like this prevent countries from growing their agricultural sectors to their full potential. But Uganda took action. The government’s Vision 2040 identified agriculture as a big opportunity to transform the country. In 2019, the Ugandan government commissioned CABI to manage a three-year SPS project with partners. The aim was to improve Uganda’s SPS practices. 

The project focused on integrated pest management, food safety, and export requirements. It trained 1,400 smallholder farmers in SPS compliance. And it identified five priority pests to manage, including fruit flies, moths, and weevils. The project increased knowledge about profitable commodities, and it boosted the skills of farmers, extensionists, inspectors, traders, and transporters. The training helped them to tackle harmful organisms that damage produce. 

Kampala’s Entebbe International Airport now has inspectors working round the clock. They ensure exports meet requirements. Where inspectors intercept pests, Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries records and addresses them. Interception databases help to uphold compliance, efficiency, and traceability. The investment has paid dividends. 

“Working with partners, Uganda now has greater capacity to ensure that its exports are safe and of a high standard demanded by customers not only in regional but also more profitable European markets.” – Florence Chege, Project Scientist, CABI