EAC ministers adopt measures to advance agri-food systems transformation
Ministers, senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of the EAC Secretariat convened to review progress and address emerging challenges in the agricultural sector.
Uganda's agriculture minister Frank K. Tumwebaze attending the 19th Session of the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security (SCAFS) held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on July 6, 2026. (Source: X/@jumuiya)
_________________
Agriculture and food security ministers in the East African Community (EAC) have adopted strategic measures aimed at strengthening regional food security and promoting sustainable agri-food systems.
The decisions were reached during the 19th Session of the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security (SCAFS) held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Monday.
Ministers, senior government officials, development partners, and representatives of the EAC Secretariat convened to review progress and address emerging challenges in the agricultural sector.
To support long-term agricultural development, the Council adopted the EAC Regional Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) 2026–2035, calling for increased investments in agricultural infrastructure, climate resilience, digital technologies, agricultural financing, and cross-border trade.
A statement from the secretariat said the ministers approved measures to strengthen the implementation of the EAC Rice Development Strategy, including support for the newly operationalised EAC Rice Desk, promotion of mechanisation, improvement of seed systems, increased private sector participation, and the reduction of non-tariff barriers affecting rice trade.
The SCAFS also endorsed the establishment of the Youth in Agri-Food Systems in EAC (YASE) Platform and welcomed progress in developing the EAC Youth in Agribusiness Portal, initiatives designed to promote youth participation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities within the agricultural sector.
The SCAFS also noted significant progress under the ENSURE Project, which seeks to modernise and strengthen agricultural extension services throughout the region.
Uganda's agriculture minister Frank K. Tumwebaze, who is the chairperson of SCAFS, commended the region’s achievements in the production of key staple crops, including maize, bananas, Irish potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
He emphasised the need for increased investments in food security, irrigation, mechanisation, seed systems, market access, and strengthened agricultural data coordination.
Tumwebaze further urged EAC partner states to align their national agricultural investment plans with the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2035) to fast-track agricultural transformation across the region.
Growth in production
Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, the EAC Deputy Secretary General responsible for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political sectors, underscored the importance of enhancing agricultural productivity through greater investment in value addition, mechanization, digitalization, access to quality inputs and finance, and expanded market opportunities.
The meeting reviewed the Regional Food Security Report, which indicated continued growth in agricultural production and food surpluses for most staple crops across the region.
However, the report also identified persistent deficits in wheat and oil production.
In response, ministers directed partner states to strengthen food security data systems and harmonise regional reporting frameworks to enhance planning and decision-making.
In the livestock sector, ministers adopted the EAC Guideline on Sharing Epidemiological Information on Transboundary Animal Diseases and Zoonoses and the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Control Strategic Framework for Eastern Africa (2026–2035).
Additional guidelines on veterinary medicines regulation and ectoparasiticide labelling were approved to enhance animal health management and facilitate regional livestock trade.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and agricultural transformation, emphasising that successful implementation of the SCAFS decisions will require strong collaboration among Partner States, development partners, the private sector, and regional institutions.
The SCAFS also commended development partners, including AGRA, the African Development Bank (AfDB), JICA, FAO, GALVmed, and TradeMark Africa, for their continued support to the EAC agricultural development agenda.