Over 300 delegates discuss grain trade in Dar es Salaam

In Dar es Salaam  Over 300 delegates have attended the 7th African Grain Trade Summit taking place at White Sands Hotel in Dar es Salaam the capital city of Tanzania. 

The grain trade summit was opened by the Tanzanian minister of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Dr. Charles John Tizeba, who implored delegates to come up with recommendations that East African governments can utilize to make policies that promote grain trade and ensure there is food security.

A delegate examines bean seeds during the exhibition at White Sands Hotel in Dar es Salaam. Photo by Francis Emorut

The minister also urged delegates to be mindful of issues to deal with production and not only concentrate on grain trade. "Emphasis on grain trade without talking about production will yield nothing. You have to produce first and then trade.

You can't sell what you don't produce," a tough talking Dr. Tizeba told participants.  The executive director of Eastern African Grain Council, Gerald Masila, informed the delegates that African citizens still suffer from food shortage and malnutrition yet Africa is endowed with natural vegetation.

The Tanzanian minister of agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Dr. Charles Tizeba (right), talks to the executive director and CEO of EAGC, Gerald Masila, during the exhibition at White Sands Hotel in Dar es Salaam. Photo by Francis Emorut

Masila noted that grain trade plays key role in ensuring there is food security in the continent  The grain trade summit is organized by Eastern African Grain  Council (EAGC) and sponsored by USAID and East Africa Trade Investment Hub among others.

The summit held under the theme: "Rethinking grain trade for food security and prosperity in Africa," has attracted experts in grain, sponsors, policy makers and government officials in East African states.

The Ugandan delegation included the Members of Parliament on the Parliamentary Agricultural Committee and grain trade dealer among others.