What We Do - East African Community Agroecological Produce Trade Knowledge Hub (EAC-ATKH)

The East African Agroecological Trade Knowledge Hub (EAC-ATKH) serves as a regional gateway for knowledge, market intelligence, capacity building, and policy dialogue.

It connects farmers, traders, researchers, policymakers, and civil society actors across the East African Community (EAC) to data, learning tools, and networks that strengthen agroecological trade systems and inclusive market participation.

By integrating digital platforms, training resources, and policy insights, the Hub supports implementation of EAC and AfCFTA commitments that promote sustainable agriculture, cross-border trade, and green economic transformation.

Through eight interlinked focus areas, the Hub fosters evidence-based decision-making, inclusive value chains, and climate-resilient trade ecosystems across the region.

Agroecological Practices & Standards

The Hub champions the transition from conventional farming to agroecological and organic production systems that restore ecosystems, reduce chemical dependence, and enhance productivity.

It provides:

Technical guidance on the 13 principles of agroecology and how they link to trade competitiveness, food safety, and biodiversity.
Case studies and farmer success stories showcasing regenerative practices (e.g., intercropping, composting, natural pest management).
Regional and international organic certification schemes and EAC harmonised standards for organic products.
Training materials and visual guides for extension officers, farmer cooperatives, and SMEs promoting value-based production.

By promoting agroecology, the Hub helps align local practices with global green trade standards, opening pathways to premium and sustainable markets.

Cross-Border Trade Procedures

To facilitate the movement of agroecological produce, the Hub provides simplified, step-by-step information on cross-border procedures at EAC and AfCFTA levels.
Key components include:

Guidance on Simplified Trade Regime (STR) eligibility thresholds, documentation (Form 1 & 2), and clearance processes.
Checklists for customs documentation, SPS/TBT compliance, and Rules of Origin (RoO) for small traders.
Examples of One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) procedures (e.g., Namanga, Busia) to illustrate coordinated border management.
Visual infographics showing the flow of goods and documents from producer to border to buyer.

This focus area empowers small-scale cross-border traders — particularly women and youth — to trade legally, reduce costs, and comply with trade facilitation standards under Annexes of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods.

Market & Price Information

Reliable and timely data is critical for traders and producers. The Hub provides real-time updates and periodic summaries on:

Prices, demand, and supply trends for key agroecological commodities (e.g., honey, maize, coffee, horticultural produce).
Regional market dynamics across EAC Partner States, showing cross-border price differentials and seasonal trends.
Access to digital dashboards and bulletins offering weekly or monthly trade statistics and export opportunities.

Partnerships with EAC trade observatories, farmers’ associations, and ministries to ensure accuracy and relevance.

This service supports market transparency and evidence-based decision-making, enabling farmers and SMEs to respond quickly to emerging opportunities and negotiate better prices.

Policies, Laws & Agreements

The Hub acts as a policy reference platform, curating and simplifying complex trade and agricultural policy frameworks.

It provides:

Up-to-date summaries of EAC protocols, AfCFTA provisions, and WTO-consistent SPS/TBT measures.
Links to national policies, regulatory frameworks, and regional instruments that govern agroecological trade.
Guidance on how these policies interact — for instance, how AfCFTA provisions on trade facilitation and women/youth inclusion complement EAC agricultural policies.
Country comparison tables showing progress on policy harmonisation, implementation, and reforms.

This section helps policymakers, researchers, and private sector actors stay informed and engage effectively in evidence-based policy dialogue.

NTB & Grievance Mechanisms

The Hub provides tools and knowledge to identify and resolve Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) that restrict trade in agroecological produce.

It supports:

Understanding NTB categories (e.g., delays, discriminatory fees, SPS duplications).
Step-by-step instructions on reporting NTBs using the EAC and AfCFTA online platforms.
Access to grievance redress mechanisms and regional dialogue platforms for dispute resolution.
Documentation of case studies where NTB resolutions have led to improved cross-border trade.

This empowers traders — especially informal and small-scale operators — to assert their rights, promote transparency, and contribute to policy reform.

Finance & Investment Access

Access to finance is a major constraint for agroecological enterprises. The Hub serves as a gateway to financing opportunities and investment information, including:

Mapping of inclusive financing schemes, microfinance institutions, and green investment funds targeting smallholders and cooperatives.
Guidance on trade finance instruments (letters of credit, export guarantees, supplier credit).
Information on gender-responsive and youth-inclusive financing models, such as revolving funds or blended finance.
Capacity-building materials on financial literacy, investment readiness, and business planning.

By bridging the information gap between financial institutions and rural entrepreneurs, the Hub helps unlock capital for sustainable and inclusive agroecological enterprises.

Training & Capacity Building

The Hub offers structured and demand-driven learning programmes for diverse users — from border officials and policymakers to farmer groups and youth entrepreneurs.

It features:

E-learning modules, in-person workshops, and regional study visits (e.g., Namanga OSBP).
Comprehensive training manuals, knowledge briefs, and advocacy toolkits.
Customised training on SPS/TBT compliance, STR usage, trade documentation, and advocacy skills.
Support for institutions and national focal points to integrate agroecological trade content into curricula and policies.

Through partnerships with ESAMI-trapca, AFSA, and regional stakeholders, the Hub strengthens institutional and human capacity to sustain agroecological trade systems.

Knowledge & Research Library

At the heart of the Hub lies the Knowledge & Research Repository — a continuously expanding digital library of:

Policy briefs, research papers, case studies, and market analyses.
Toolkits, guidelines, training resources, and knowledge briefs developed by regional experts.
Multimedia learning content — webinars, podcasts, and photo essays from field experiences.
Data dashboards showcasing trade indicators, value-chain maps, and regulatory trackers.

The Library facilitates knowledge co-creation and sharing, enabling users to learn from best practices, monitor trends, and influence policy reforms.

It is designed as a living archive that evolves with user contributions, ensuring long-term sustainability and relevance.

Our Impact

Through these focus areas, the EAC-ATKH helps build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agroecological trade ecosystem that:

Strengthens linkages between production, markets, and policy frameworks;
Enables women and youth to participate meaningfully in cross-border trade;
Enhances regional food security and livelihoods;
Supports the green transition and the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and
Positions East Africa as a continental leader in sustainable and equitable agroecological trade.

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