Training Course on Agricultural Trade, Export Standards, and Market Access

Course Overview
In an increasingly globalized and competitive agricultural sector, access to high-value domestic, regional, and international markets requires more than just production—it demands compliance with export standards, understanding of trade protocols, and ability to meet buyer specifications. For agribusinesses, cooperatives, and farmers, unlocking market access can significantly increase incomes, create jobs, and drive rural economic development.
This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate agricultural trade systems, understand export requirements, and tap into local and international market opportunities. Emphasis is placed on understanding Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), quality certification schemes (GlobalG.A.P., Organic, HACCP), and regional trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Participants will also learn how to identify market opportunities, interpret buyer demands, comply with logistics and documentation procedures, and develop strategies for scaling agribusinesses into export-ready enterprises.
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Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the dynamics of agricultural trade and market systems
•Analyze export opportunities and trade barriers in target markets
•Apply key export standards, certifications, and compliance protocols
•Facilitate market linkages and develop go-to-market strategies
•Advise farmers and agribusinesses on meeting buyer and regulatory requirements
•Support value chain actors in transitioning to formal and export markets
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Target Audience
This course is designed for:
•Agribusiness entrepreneurs, exporters, and processors
•Trade officers and investment promotion staff
•Farmer cooperatives and producer groups
•Officials from agriculture, trade, and standards regulatory agencies
•NGO and donor program staff involved in value chain development
•Private sector actors and consultants supporting agricultural marketing and exports
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Training Methodology
•Case studies of successful export-oriented agribusinesses
•Hands-on exercises in compliance, documentation, and trade procedures
•Group work on export market strategy development
•Practical briefings on quality certification and standard-setting institutions
•Guest sessions with export firms, logistics providers, and trade promotion agencies
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Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
•Gain a clear understanding of export market requirements and standards
•Be equipped to support SMEs, cooperatives, and farmers in accessing new markets
•Build capacity in trade documentation, export logistics, and regulatory compliance
•Understand regional and global trade frameworks and how to leverage them
•Develop export strategies or action plans tailored to their products and markets