Why this project?

Maize and sesame sub- sector have been faced with the challenge of poor quality across the region resulting from low standards. This has subjected farmers and traders to losses as a result of their goods being rejected at the borders. A number of policies and NTBs continue to affect these 2 sub-sectors in Uganda as a result of failure to meet standards. The EAC Common Market Score Card 2014 (World Bank and International Finance Cooperation) identified Sanitary and Phyto sanitary measures with the most categories of NTBs. The study identified cumbersome testing and certification procedures; non-recognition of quality marks and SPS certificate from other partner states and stringent requirements for exports of products as the most issues related to SPS and technical standards. Most farmers are not yet educated about the importance of handling the produce carefully after harvest so the quality is often bad and it discourages the buyers. Since maize and sesame are grown by the poor communities, supporting export capacities in this area through reducing NTBs associated with differing national requirements for standards will mitigate poverty and protect Uganda maize and sesame exports from negative shocks as she opens up to her neighbors.

What:

This project aims to support SEATINI develop policy papers to advocate for implementation of EAC standards on maize; work with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards(UNBS) to draft the sesame standards and present to Government for adoption; create information portals for trainees on her website; establish strategic networking forums with Government and regional institutions for maize and sesame and; train 700 farmers (directly) and 55,000 households (indirectly) to improve compliance with maize standards and EAC edible oil standards.

How:

TMA is providing a grant to SEATTINI to will fund the research, platforms, capacity building, awareness activities and policy/advocacy.

Contact:

Sandra Kirenga, Email:sandra.kirenga@trademarkea.com

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