EAGC launches farmer-owned G-Hubs to boost grain trade in East Africa
G-Hubs will serve as one-stop centres offering essential services such as access to quality inputs, post-harvest handling facilities, and streamlined market access through EAGC’s digital platform, Gsoko
MUKONO, April 14, 2025 – The Eastern Africa Grain Council [EAGC] has launched farmer-owned and operated Grain Trade Business Hubs [ G-Hubs ], an innovative initiative aimed at transforming grain commerce for smallholder farmers across East Africa.
The announcement was made on Friday during the annual agribusiness exhibition held at the National Crops Resources Research Institute [NaCRRI] in Namulonge, Mukono district.
The event, organised in partnership with the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] and the DANIDA Green Business Partnerships [DGBP], focused on building sustainable food systems, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and fostering economic development.
Speaking at the launch, EAGC Executive Director Gerald Makau Masila said the G-Hubs are designed to empower farmers through collective action and shared resources.
“The core mission of the G-Hubs is to put power back into the hands of farmers,” said Masila. “By pooling their resources and working collectively, they can increase bargaining power, reduce costs, and gain direct access to premium markets.”
A Game changer for smallholder farmers
G-Hubs will serve as one-stop centres offering essential services such as access to quality inputs, post-harvest handling facilities, and streamlined market access through EAGC’s digital platform, Gsoko.
“Farmers often suffer losses due to poor storage and lack of market information. The G-Hubs will change that,” Masila explained. “By aggregating grain and ensuring quality control, the hubs will help farmers meet market standards and reduce post-harvest losses.”
Through Gsoko, a digital trading platform, farmers can list their grain for sale, view real-time prices, and connect with buyers both regionally and internationally. The platform includes a weekly trade catalogue accessible to EAGC members, and an active trade desk to facilitate transactions.
“With Gsoko, farmers are no longer at the mercy of middlemen. We are creating a transparent, fair, and efficient grain market,” said Masila.
Strengthening the grain value chain
Masila noted that a key benefit of the G-Hubs is improved access to high-quality inputs through bulk purchasing. This reduces costs for individual farmers while ensuring better productivity.
The hubs will also provide technical support in the form of advisory services and training on improved agricultural practices, with the aim of building long-term resilience and productivity.
Additionally, the G-Hubs will help improve access to finance by linking farmers with credit institutions and financial service providers.
“Access to finance has long been a barrier for smallholder farmers. Through these hubs, we aim to unlock financial inclusion and growth,” Masila added.
Supporting policy and partnerships
The EAGC will continue to support the development and operation of G-Hubs through capacity building, market intelligence, and advocacy. The organisation’s Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network [RATIN] will provide valuable data to support informed decision-making among farmers and stakeholders.
“We are not just building hubs; we are strengthening the entire grain value chain,” said Masila. “This includes engaging in policy advocacy and forming strategic partnerships to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the initiative.”
Government backs the initiative
The Minister for iculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, expressed government support for agricultural innovations and reaffirmed the role of research institutions in driving change.
“The government remains committed to supporting agricultural research institutions like NARO, which play a key role in advancing farmer resilience and productivity,” he said.
Dr Sadik Kassim, Deputy Director of NARO, emphasised the importance of building a resilient agricultural sector in Uganda.
“Through research, innovation, and collaboration, we aim to ensure our farmers are equipped to handle challenges such as climate change, while improving food security and livelihoods,” he said.
The G-Hub concept directly addresses persistent challenges faced by farmers, including limited access to markets, high input costs, and poor post-harvest management. By uniting farmers and harnessing digital technology, the EAGC hopes to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and competitive grain economy in East Africa.
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