The Jinja Declaration on Advancing Cross Border Trade for Agroecological Produce (AEP) In the East African Community (EAC)
Preamble
We, the participants at the Regional Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Advancing Agroecological produce cross border Trade in the East African Community (EAC), representing Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan, gathered in Jinja, Uganda, in a spirit of unity, purpose, and solidarity, reaffirm our commitment to strengthening regional integration through just, inclusive, and sustainable food and trade systems. Recognizing the urgency of transforming our food systems to respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic inequality, we issue this Declaration to advance agroecological trade as a pathway toward sovereignty, justice, and ecological resilience in the EAC.
Celebrating Our Heritage
We affirm that Africa’s resilience and food sovereignty are rooted in the heritage of our people, seeds, and soils. Agroecological trade honors this heritage by centering farmers, women, youth, and indigenous communities in regional economies. We recognize that the realization of the EAC’s vision for integration depends on vibrant territorial markets and fair, locally grounded trade. By promoting local production, ecological farming, and intra-regional markets, Africa can reduce dependency on imports and reclaim food sovereignty. We also celebrate the policy momentum for agroecology and commend the tireless efforts of smallholder farmers, traders, and traders, and Trade Information Desk Officers (TIDOs) who sustain local economies through dignity, innovation, and solidarity.
Acknowledging Our Challenges
Despite progress, agroecological trade faces deep structural barriers that limit its growth. High tariffs, multiple fees, and bureaucratic delays raise trading costs, while persistent Non-Tariff Barriers and complex certification processes—especially for sanitary and phytosanitary standards disadvantage small-scale producers, particularly women. Fragmented institutional mandates and inadequate infrastructure, such as cold storage and aggregation facilities, further constrain trade. The lack of traceability, labeling, and market differentiation undermines incentives for agroecological production. These challenges are not merely technical but structural and political, rooted in unequal power relations and industrial agriculture dominance, demanding transformative policy and justice-oriented solutions to empower smallholders and traders.
Recognizing Our Opportunities
We see great potential in advancing agroecological cross-border trade as a catalyst for regional transformation. Aligning EAC trade and agricultural policies with agroecological principles can create a productive, regenerative system that sustains people and ecosystems. We envision thriving territorial markets, cross-border collaboration among smallholders, and recognized regional certification for agroecological products. With growing political will across EAC countries, there are opportunities to craft inclusive trade policies that empower women and youth. Leveraging One Stop Border Posts and trade reforms can further ease small-scale trade, while emerging networks and movements strengthen collective action toward equitable, ecological regional trade systems.
Our Commitments and Calls to Action
We, the undersigned, commit to working collaboratively to advance the vision of agroecological trade within the EAC. We call upon the East African Community, Partner States, civil society, and regional economic actors to join hands in building a system rooted in fairness, ecology, and solidarity.
We therefore urge governments and stakeholders to:
- Fully enforce commitments to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and streamline customs procedures to facilitate cross-border trade for AEPs.
- Establish dedicated market spaces and trade facilitation infrastructure for agroecological products in local and cross-border markets.
- Scale up Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) and traceability mechanisms to enhance consumer trust for AEPs
- Strengthen producer and trader associations’ capacity for collective marketing, learning, and advocacy.
- Invest in cold storage, logistics, and public infrastructure that support agroecological enterprises.
- Promote financial inclusion through regional currency harmonization and equitable mobile money systems.
- Support mutual recognition of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards and marks across EAC Partner States.
- Integrate agroecology into EAC’s trade, climate, and agricultural policy frameworks, including a regional Agroecology policy
Our Specific commitments.
As policy Makers, we commit to
- Align national policy with agroecology priorities for sustainable growth and green economy transformation.
- Prioritize budget to support Agroecology in the EAC region (production, research, standards, certification.
- Support research and development on agroecology and AEPs trade in the EAC region
- As CSOs, we commit to
- Review the relevant standards and policies to advocate for integration of agroecological principles.
- Advocate for harmonization of agroecological trade policies, including the development of an EAC Agroecology strategy.
- Support the strengthening of border infrastructure to support agroecological trade (Cold rooms, laboratories)
- Strengthen capacities of policy makers and traders on agroecological trade.
- As Researchers and Academicians, we commit to
- Pushing for an agroecology policy, including a certification framework for agroecological products to aid identification and traceability.
- Community awareness initiatives on agroecology and agroecological trade.
- Inclusion of agroecology in the curricula at all levels of educational institutions and reviewing the existing curricula to include aspects of agroecology.
- As Transporters, we commit to
- Advocate for fast-track routes specifically for Agroecological Products to help trucks deliver goods on time.
- Advocate for an alternative scanner at customs to enable trucks to deliver goods on time
- Establish partnerships with Agroecological farmers and entrepreneurs to enable seamless cross-border transportation of AEPs
As Cross Border Traders, we commit to
- Commit to advocating for the establishment of dedicated trade corridors and market spaces across EAC borders to promote and facilitate the cross-border trade of agroecological produce.
- Commit to organizing regular regional trader and stakeholder meetings to strengthen collaboration and information sharing.
- Ensure continuous sensitization and awareness campaigns on agroecology and trade practices at all key border posts.
- Prioritize the full inclusion and active participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in all trading activities.
- Champion trader-led advocacy initiatives that influence policies and create an enabling environment for agroecological trade.
As Media, we commit to
- Advocate for Agroecological Products trade through multimedia dissemination platforms like social media to create visibility
- Prioritize storytelling and visualization to promote AEPs trade successes and stories of change to consumers.
- Prioritize specialized journalism on Agroecology and AE Products
- Organise cross-border media campaigns and days of action dedicated to AEPs trade
As farmers, we commit to
- Commit to increasing the production and quality of agroecological produce to strengthen supply chains and enhance efficient trade across the region.
- Commit to empowering and actively engaging women and youth in the development and growth of agroecological enterprises for inclusive economic transformation.
- Commit to partnering with Territorial Market and cross border market leaders to improve market access and facilitate seamless distribution of agroecological produce within the EAC.
A Living Declaration.
This Declaration is a living document, grounded in the conviction that the transformation of Africa’s food and trade systems must begin with the people. We pledge to continue dialogue, partnership, and advocacy until agroecological trade becomes central to regional development and integration. We call upon all actors governments, civil society, private sector, and communities to join this journey toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable East Africa.
Adopted in Jinja, Uganda, on 30th October 2025
Signed by Participants of the Regional Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Advancing Agroecological Trade in the EAC.
