Food safety and quality standards as trade enablers or barriers: insights from Tanzania in intra-African and European markets
Résumé
Agricultural standards are increasingly vital for global trade, yet they present a complex paradox as both trade enablers and significant barriers for developing countries. This study examines the food safety and quality regulatory frameworks in Tanzania, focusing on the horticultural sector’s engagement with intra-African and European Union (EU) markets. Despite horticulture being Tanzania’s fastest-growing agricultural sub-sector, accessing export markets remains a challenge, with only 0.3% of the produce reaching international markets. Findings reveal critical gaps in national standards. For instance, while the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has developed over 3,000 standards, those relating to fruits and vegetables often lack specific safety limits for different hazards. This regulatory void leaves domestic consumers vulnerable to food safety hazards while forcing exporters to adhere to costly private standards like GlobalGAP for EU market access. The results highlight a heavy reliance on traditional, reactive food inspections rather than more effective risk-based approaches, with inspection efforts disproportionately focused on export produce while neglecting local markets. Furthermore, regional harmonization of standards remains fragmented. While the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area have made progress in aligning regional standards, Tanzania’s inconsistent implementation creates regional trade hurdles and increases compliance costs. To overcome these barriers and boost trade, Tanzania must establish robust, transparent, and harmonized food safety standards. Further improving quality infrastructure, domestic surveillance, and resource-sharing through bodies such as the African Organization for Standardization is essential to enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness in international export markets.
Citer ce document
Accès au document
Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter
Voir l'article sur le site de la revueStatistiques
Consultations : 1
Téléchargements : 0