Abstract:
This report uses the Global Value Chain (GVC) framework to examine the maize industry in
East African Community (EAC) countries, concentrating its analysis on Rwanda and Uganda.
Agriculture is an important economic activity throughout the region, accounting for an estimated
83% of total employment (Joughin, 2014b). However, its export profile in countries such as
Rwanda and Uganda is muted by high volumes of informal trade, with as much as 70-80% of
maize accessed through channels where it is not taxed or regulated. Despite the difficulty in
retrieving accurate data because of the size of the unregulated market, the clear trend in Rwanda
and Uganda is toward increasing production and exports.