COMESA is hosting the first policy and training event on the topic of “Trade in Food Staples in Eastern and Southern Africa: The Role of Intra-Regional Trade in Price Stability and Food Security”. The event focuses on the following issues:
- Trade policy: What is the state of trade policy after the tri-partite free trade zone agreement?
COMESA will present a stock take of trade policy in the region and the implications for trade in food staples. The presentation will be followed by a round table discussion on the implications for the food staples sector.
- The role of regional trade: How does cross-border maize trade contribute to price stability and food security?
Michigan State University will present a summary of major cross-border trade flows and illustrate how trade in food staples moderates the increase in food prices for consumers during a drought. The presentations will be followed by a round table discussion on the implications of restricting trade.
- Discussion on the way forward: What next for food staples trade in Eastern and Southern Africa?
Under this session, participants will put forward concrete potential future directions with regard to the best policy environment for increased staple crop trade in the region.
