Maize Program > Highlights

Trade Intelligence Network Moves To RATES

Since its inception two years ago under the collaborative effort of three USAID projects,
FOODNET, FEWSNET and RATES, the Regional Agricultural Intelligence Network (RATIN) has proven a successful medium in strengthening food security and enhancing economic growth by increasing volumes and values of intra-regional trade within the East African Community. Until now FOODNET has been providing the core daily management services for RATIN but, with the project coming to an end in December 2004, the management of RATIN has migrated to the RATES Trade Center. RATIN continues to be fully operational under the guidance of Tom Awuor, the Regional food market analyst and Bridget Okumu, the database administrator. Since moving to RATES, the RATIN market intelligence unit has streamlined its commodity focus, concentrating on the key food security products of maize, beans and rice. The unit continues to provide reliable and timely marketing information for both the private and public sectors alike and, while the service initially focused on the EAC region (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda), discussions are underway to extend this into the wider COMESA region.

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