The Regional Agricultural Investment Plan is a regional policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of this policy is 7 years between 2018 and 2025. The overall objectives of this Regional Agricultural Investment Plan are to: (I) increase agricultural productivity and trade in the East African Community, (II) ensure sustainable agricultural transformation in the EAC region, and (III) develop mechanisms for effective implementation of this policy. Programs for health and nutrition dimensions of food security will be implemented to prevent malnutrition, obesity, nutritional deficiencies and diseases. Access to food will be improved for the most vulnerable, with a special emphasis on poor lactating mothers. Post-harvest management will be strengthened to prevent food loss. Agricultural production and productivity will be increased in an environmentally sustainable manner. Sustainable use and management of natural resources and ecosystems will be strengthened. Efficient use of water resources will be promoted for agriculture and water catchment areas will be improved. Forest conservation and agro-forestry will be promoted in shared ecosystems to expand forest cover and increase farming in forests. Regional agricultural institutions, including farmer organizations will be supported and their capacities will be enhanced. This policy lays down investment priorities, such as regional food supply, food utilization, value addition, capacity building for sustainable natural resource management, and strengthened capacities for regional agricultural value chain. Agricultural research and technology will be strengthened at the regional level to enhance regional food supply and efficient utilization. Agricultural statistical data system will be developed and a framework for information sharing at EAC and Partner States will be strengthened. An effective input supply and distribution system will be developed to reduce the cost of agricultural production. Value addition will be promoted in strategic value chains and public private partnerships will be supported in large scale agro-processing zones. The private sector will be encouraged to attract investments in the agriculture sector and the collaboration within the agribusiness sector will be strengthened. Regional trade and market access for agricultural commodities will be expanded to achieve sustainability of higher agricultural productivity, including exploitation of alternative sources of food. Regional centers will be established for strengthening skills development for various commodity value chains. Regional market information systems will be developed for crops, animal and fish products. The control and management of pests and animal diseases will be strengthened to ensure food safety in line with the regional food safety policies and strategies and standards will be developed for agricultural commodities. Monitoring, control and surveillance mechanism will be strengthened to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Strategic framework will be developed for risk management and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Disaster risk reduction and management will be strengthened to increase the resilience of food production systems and livelihoods.
2019-01-01