KAMPALA, September 10, 2024 – As the government advances its agency rationalisation efforts, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority [UCDA] and the Dairy Development Authority [DDA], along with other agricultural semi-autonomous agencies in the country, are set to be merged into a new entity: the Food and Agriculture Authority [FAA].
Currently, UCDA manages the coffee sector, while the DDA oversees the dairy sector, with reports on both sectors showing improved performance in terms of production and export.
The FAA, once established, will be responsible for overseeing the entire coffee value chain, food production and management, veterinary drugs, and agricultural inputs.
State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama explained that the FAA is modeled after similar agencies in Kenya, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom, which have successfully managed agricultural products through centralised, one-stop centers.
In a recent consultative meeting with Members of Parliament [MPs], Rwamirama addressed concerns about the rationalisation of UCDA and DDA. “During this [merger] process, the ministry [Agriculture Ministry] will empower the relevant divisions in the FAA and has no intention of reducing the workforce in the regions where UCDA, and DDA currently operate,” Rwamirama assured.
He also noted that the functions of the National Agriculture Advisory Services [NAADS] would be integrated into the Department of Agribusiness within the ministry. However, MPs have raised concerns about whether the Ministry of Agriculture has the technical expertise to manage coffee and dairy sectors effectively, especially given their growing importance.
“The ministry is committed to providing details on certified seed dealers to ensure the quality of coffee seedlings and other agricultural enterprises. Rest assured, we will not lose any functionalities in the process,” Rwamirama stated.
The establishment of the FAA aims to enhance quality, standards, and consumer safety. In October of the previous year, Cabinet approved the creation of the FAA as a key step toward improving food security and safety in the country.
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze had previously informed Parliament that the FAA would complement the National Drugs Authority [NDA] and the National Bureau of Standards [UNBS] in ensuring food safety.
In comparison, Kenya, Uganda’s neighbour, operates an Agriculture and Food Authority [AFA], which resulted from the merger of several entities including the Kenya Coconut Development Authority, Coffee Board of Kenya, Cotton Development Authority, Horticultural Crops Development Authority, Kenya Sisal Board, Kenya Sugar Board, and Pyrethrum Board of Kenya. AFA manages various directorates such as the Sugar Directorate, Coffee Directorate, and Horticultural Crops Directorate.
However, Kenyan legislators recently considered reviving the Coffee Board of Kenya, citing concerns that its abolition has contributed to the underperformance of the coffee sector.
Similar authorities have been established globally, including the Agriculture and Food Development Authority in Ireland, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and the Bahamas Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
https://thecooperator.news/govt-to-establish-food-and-agricultural-authority/
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