REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROVISIONS FOR EFFICACY OF CROSS-BORDER TRADE: ENHANCING LIVESTOCK MARKETING ACTIVITIES IN TRADE CORRIDORS IN THE TURKANA, KARAMOJA, EASTERN EQUATORIA, AND SOUTH OMO REGIONS

Abstract: Promotion of economic growth and increased commerce is one of the key advantagesthat may be gained from East African integration, where member nations access a broadermarket if they remove obstacles to trade and make it easier for services and goods to move freelyacross international borders. The study looked at considerations of such provisions in the contextof cross-border livestock trade in the Karamoja Cluster region of the Horn of Africa (HoA). Thestudy objectives were to (i) assess the potential of cross-border livestock trade in the region, (ii)investigate the social and economic factors determining cross-border livestock trade, and (iii)define the conduct of livestock marketing activities in areas along the borderlines. The studyresults indicate that for the East African Community (EAC) to benefit from the integratedservices for cross-border trade, enhancing market infrastructure and marketing systems,formalisation of livestock marketing practices and adopting flexible production and marketingstrategies will bolster trade potential. Additionally, addressing resource-based conflicts,livestock diseases, and climate change impacts and improving access to market information areimportant for regional economic development. Key considerations for effective cross-bordermarketing include competition management, adherence to standards, efficient border crossing,regional peace and security enforcement and an increase in banking services. High export taxes,low livestock productivity, and ineffective regulations, exacerbated by climate change andresource scarcity; unnecessary increase in commodity prices due to poor market surveys;competitive rivalry from external traders; and high illiteracy rates among traders hinder theirunderstanding and application of knowledge essential for their competitiveness and profitabilityin the conduct of livestock business. The study recommends that improvements in veterinaryservices and personnel decentralisation are essential for enhancing livestock productivity andmanaging diseases. Agricultural research should focus on regional livestock developmentchallenges, support agro-based marketplaces and organization of farming systems. Actions forsustainable management of cross-border trade include stakeholders understanding livestockmarketing protocol, promoting regulations and awareness of trading policies, and access tocredit, which are key. Fostering trade unions, ensuring a peaceful trading environment, andmanaging cash transaction risks will improve competition and market pricing, benefitinglivestock farmers, traders and market operations.