EAC ministers adopt new measures to boost regional food security

Ministers responsible for agriculture and food security from the East African Community (EAC) have adopted a set of policy, investment and regulatory measures aimed at strengthening regional food security and advancing sustainable agri-food systems.



The agreement was reached during the 19th Session of the Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Food Security held in Dar es Salaam, according to a statement issued on Monday by the EAC headquarters in Tanzania's northern city of Arusha.



The statement said the ministers endorsed the EAC Regional Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (2026-2035), which prioritizes increased investment in agricultural infrastructure, climate resilience, digital technologies, financing and cross-border trade to drive long-term sector growth.



To enhance competitiveness, the council approved measures to strengthen the implementation of the EAC Rice Development Strategy, including support for mechanization, improved seed systems, private sector participation and the reduction of non-tariff barriers affecting regional rice trade, said the statement.



The ministers also adopted key regulatory instruments covering crop inspection procedures, environmental and health risk assessments, and the management of hazardous pesticides.