In a bid to address the numerous challenges facing the horticulture sector in Eastern Africa, the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA) has been officially established. The formation of this council was the result of a two-day meeting held on November 25th and 26th, 2024, in Arusha, where representatives from horticulture associations in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya came together to create an organization aimed at unifying the region’s efforts to overcome shared obstacles in the industry.
The horticulture sector in Eastern Africa has long been a vital contributor to the economies of these countries, providing significant employment opportunities, boosting exports, and improving the livelihoods of many farmers. However, this sector faces a range of challenges that hinder its growth and sustainability. Among these challenges are market access issues, pest and disease management, poor logistics, inadequate financing, climate change impacts, and compliance with international standards. These concerns have prompted stakeholders in the sector to seek a collaborative approach to address them effectively.
The Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA) is envisioned as a platform for cooperation and collaboration, bringing together various horticulture associations in the region to work on solutions. The goal of the council is to provide a collective voice for the horticulture industry, engage with governments, private sectors, and development partners, and improve the overall business environment for horticulture in the region.
One of the major challenges the horticulture sector in Eastern Africa faces is the lack of market access. While there is a growing demand for horticultural products in international markets, smallholder farmers and producers in the region often struggle to meet the required standards and gain entry into these markets. HoCEA aims to help the region’s horticulturalists overcome these barriers by promoting export market access, improving quality standards, and assisting farmers with certifications and compliance with international trade regulations.
Pests and diseases also pose a significant threat to the region’s horticultural output. Insect pests, fungal infections, and bacterial diseases can destroy crops, reduce yields, and damage the marketability of horticultural products. The creation of HoCEA provides an opportunity for regional cooperation in sharing knowledge and best practices for pest and disease management. By working together, the member countries can develop more effective strategies for controlling pests and diseases, reducing the reliance on harmful chemicals, and improving the overall sustainability of the sector.
Logistical issues are another obstacle to the growth of the horticulture industry in Eastern Africa. Poor infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, hampers the transportation of fresh produce to markets. Inadequate road networks, unreliable transport systems, and inefficient cold storage facilities often result in high post-harvest losses. HoCEA intends to advocate for better infrastructure development, particularly in the areas of transport, storage, and distribution, to ensure that fresh horticultural produce reaches markets in optimal condition and without significant losses.
Financing is another key challenge for horticulture businesses in the region. Access to affordable credit and financing options is often limited, especially for smallholder farmers and small-scale producers. Many of these producers lack the collateral required to secure loans and struggle to invest in the technology, equipment, and inputs needed to improve their productivity and competitiveness. HoCEA plans to work with financial institutions and other stakeholders to create financing solutions tailored to the specific needs of the horticulture sector, helping to unlock the potential of the industry.
Climate change is a growing concern for horticulture in Eastern Africa, with unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events affecting crop yields and quality. To address these challenges, HoCEA will focus on promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, improving water management techniques, and supporting farmers in adopting sustainable farming practices. The council aims to help the region’s horticulture sector adapt to the effects of climate change and build resilience to future environmental challenges.
The compliance aspect is also critical for the sector’s growth. Horticultural exports must meet strict international standards, particularly in areas like food safety, pesticide residue levels, and quality control. Many producers in the region lack the knowledge and resources to comply with these standards, which can limit their access to global markets. HoCEA intends to play a crucial role in educating and training farmers and producers on compliance requirements, helping them meet international standards, and fostering a culture of quality and safety across the horticulture value chain.
At the inaugural meeting, the representatives from the different countries elected the leadership for HoCEA. Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, CEO of the Tanzania Horticulture Association, was chosen as the first Chair of the council. Mr. Clement Tulezi, CEO of the Kenya Flower Council, was elected as the Secretary, while Ms. Esther Nekambi, the Executive Director of the Uganda Flower Exporters Association, took on the role of Treasurer. This leadership team will spearhead the council’s efforts to address the challenges outlined and to promote the growth and development of the horticulture sector across Eastern Africa.
The establishment of HoCEA was facilitated by TradeMark Africa under the Business Environment and Export Enhancement Programme (BEEEP), which aims to support trade and economic development in the region. This initiative underscores the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common challenges and creating opportunities for growth in the horticulture industry. The founding members of HoCEA have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the horticulture sector remains competitive and sustainable in the face of both local and global challenges.
As the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa continues to grow, it is expected that more countries in the region will join the initiative, further strengthening the collaboration and capacity of the sector. Through this united effort, the horticulture industry in Eastern Africa can overcome its challenges and realize its full potential, contributing to the economic development and food security of the region.
