10th African Grain Trade Summit

5 - 7 October 2023. Uganda hosted a three-day 10th African Grain Trade Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo in which players seeked among others, to ensure increased grain production, improved quality of production but also improved access to the markets.

With its theme, “Defining Africa’s place in global grain trade for sustainable food systems”, the 10th AGTS looked into solutions to help grain sector agribusiness become more resilient and continue growing in the face of adversity, and ultimately contribute to sustainable global food systems.

See the programme overview 3 p.

The Eastern Africa Grain Council is a member-based organization in 11 countries in Africa that advocates for grain trade and production to make sure there is sufficient food production for humans and animals. This event is held every two years and Uganda hosts it for the second time since inception. Participants included the American Grain Council, European Grain Council, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, among others.

Achievements by the council include:

1. 
   Initiation of the process for establishing ISR by developing a road map that now requires implementation,
2. Rise in the adoption of circular economy models such as Insect-Based Feeds enterprises,
3. Engagement with governments and border officials organized by EABC led to easing of requirements for, Covid-19 testing at border points,
4. Supported policy processes including WRS, Country and regional quality standards,
5. All government have developed climate adaption plans, and
6. Financial institutions and service providers still exploring different products.

Commitments include:

1. To support the government in the region to develop and implement sound and supportive policies for grain trade,
2. Government to support climate risks mitigation measures to which the national governments in the region continue to progress the implementation of respective climate change adaptation strategies, and
3. Financial institutions to package financial services with appropriate technical assistance to grain sector players.

AFLATOXINS DEBATE REIGNED AFRICA GRAIN SUMMIT

One of the grain challenges has been aflatoxins – caused by micro toxins which are a form of fungus
formed when the grain is not handled properly. Scientists have confirmed that they are extremely dangerous because they cause cancer.

Related: 

10 February 2023.

Aflatoxin biocontrol in practice requires a multidisciplinary, long-term approach

One of the most elusive food safety problems is the contamination of staple crops with the highly carcinogenic aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. Governments, farmers, institutions, consumers, and companies demand aflatoxin solutions. Many aflatoxin management technologies exist, but their real-life use and effectiveness is determined by diverse factors.