EAGC holds pest control training for grain sector in Uganda
Three day program in Kampala equips grain handlers with practical skills to manage pests and protect stored grain.
UGANDA – Grain sector professionals from across Uganda met in Kampala from 11 to 13 March 2026 for a training on integrated pest control and management organized by the Eastern Africa Grain Council through its Grain Business Institute.
The three day session brought together grain handlers, storage operators, and agribusiness firms to address one of the sector’s most persistent problems: pest infestations after harvest. Participants studied pest identification, integrated pest management methods, and safe fumigation practices that help protect stored grain and maintain food quality across the value chain.
A trainer involved in the program said the initiative focused on practical knowledge for grain businesses that deal with storage losses every season. “Post harvest pests remain a major cause of grain losses in the region. We designed this training to give grain handlers practical skills that help them control pests safely and maintain grain quality,” the trainer said.
During the training, experts from industry and regulatory bodies explained how pesticide use affects human health and the environment. Trainers also reviewed national rules that guide pesticide handling to ensure food safety and responsible use.
Participants discussed storage monitoring, pest detection, and fumigation safety as part of the learning sessions. These discussions aimed to help grain businesses reduce post harvest losses and maintain high quality grain for trade.
Several private sector companies took part in the training, including Nile Cloud Limited, Bulk Stream Limited, and Nec Agro SMC Limited. Their participation reflects growing interest among grain businesses to improve storage systems and reduce losses.
Participants also attended a hands on practical session hosted at Grainpulse Limited. Specialists from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries guided the field exercises and explained how companies can comply with national quality standards.
One participant said the field session helped connect training lessons with daily operations. “Many warehouses face pest issues during storage. The practical session helped us see how proper monitoring and safe fumigation can prevent large grain losses,” the participant said.
The training comes at a time when the grain sector in Eastern Africa continues to expand. According to the Eastern Africa Grain Council, the region’s grain market now exceeds US$20 billion. Across the continent, Africa’s grain market stands between US$85 billion and US$90 billion, with Eastern Africa accounting for about 25% of that share.
Maize production remains strong in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, while wheat imports across sub Saharan Africa exceeded 30 million tonnes during the 2024 to 2025 season. At the same time, Zambia and Ethiopia reported soymeal surpluses in early 2026, which could support regional grain trade.
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