USAID's agricultural programming supports local farmers and cross-border initiatives.  We aligned our work with national priorities. Key partners include Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC), East Africa Grain Council (EAGC), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Seed Traders Association (AFSTA), and Eastern African Farmers Federation (EAFF).  

Through the U.S. Feed the Future Initiative, USAID is improving food security in East Africa by supporting smallholder farmers.  We help farmers and pastoralists increase their income and better withstand emergencies.  Our programs work to increase the productivity of key staple foods.  We also connect farmers to markets across the region.

We enable the movement of food from surplus to deficit areas by strengthening cross-border market systems.  This improves food security and agricultural trade across the region. In addition, our work with national and regional organizations improves agricultural policies, standards, and practices.  This makes food across the region safer for consumption.

Emergency Food Assistance

In East Africa, USAID's Food for Peace program focuses on emergency food assistance.  We reduce food insecurity among vulnerable populations, including refugees.  We also build resilience in communities facing chronic poverty and recurrent crises such as drought.  Equipping people with the knowledge and tools to feed themselves reduces the need for future assistance.  Our programs save lives, reduces suffering, and supports the early recovery of people affected by conflict and natural disaster emergencies.