Uganda non-traditional export commodity rapid appraisal

This study examines the impacts of recent policy reforms and identifies remaining constraints to NTE"s, focusing on two broad categories of crops: maize and other cereals (low value, regionally exported crops) and fresh fruit and vegetables (high value, perishable crops exported to developed countries). Major constraints to exporters include the costly and time-consuming identification of buyers; lack of market intelligence and direct flights to lucrative markets; financing difficulties; lack of export marketing know-how; and ignorance of import/export regulations. Constraints to producers include lack of market information and of inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and chemical sprays; difficulty getting credit; and unsophisticated irrigation methods. Other problems include lack of storage facilities and trucks and the institutional conflicts and overlapping responsibilities of EPADU (Export Policy Analysis and Development Unit) and UEPC (Uganda Export Promotion Council). Recommendations address the above areas.