EAGC and USAID Ink Partnership to Strengthen Competitiveness in Export-Oriented Staple Food Value Chains
USAID has awarded a three year grant worth USD 2 million (Ksh. 320 million) to the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC). The funding is aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of export oriented staple food value chains in East Africa.
The grant was made through USAID’s Economic Recovery and Reform Activity (ERRA) program delivered by TradeMark Africa (TMA) with funding from Feed the Future.
Through the five-year ERRA US$75 million program, USAID and TMA are driving trade and investment reforms in the East and Horn of Africa to create jobs in the staple crops and textiles sectors, especially for women and youth. A core part of this is to increase the ability of grain producers to export both regionally and to the rest of the world.
East Africa’s potential for food grain production and trade has been hindered by low production rates, poor post-harvest management, and climate pressures. These challenges contribute to the low competitiveness of its staples in regional markets, reduced cross-border trade, production deficits, and postharvest losses that threaten the region’s food security.
This facility with EAGC will directly tackle these challenges, removing trade impediments and building grain exporters’ capacity in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda across export value chains such as Maize, Beans, Millet, Sorghum, and Rice.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, TMA’s CEO, Mr. David Beer, revealed that the strategic collaboration with EAGC and USAID will boost grain exports within the region. “This includes spearheading innovative strategies such as Grain Business Hubs, or G-Hubs. These are operated by farmers, who will leverage technology to improve grain quality and drive up trade,” said Mr. Beer.
source: hapakenya.com