The Effect of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures on Uganda’s Fish Exports: A gravity model approach

Abstract

This paper examined the effects of Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures on Uganda’s fish exports. The study used a gravity model variant that accounts for selection bias (decision to trade) and panel data from 28 countries covering the period between 2001 and 2018. The results revealed that microbiological and parasitic contamination have a negative effect on fish exports while certification about absence of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has an opposite effect. From a policymaker’s perspective, there is need to consider strict legislation concerning the GMO Bill to guarantee the safety of food items including fish. This is would increase overseas consumers’ confidence in Uganda’s fish products, hence increasing exports. Concerning microbiological and parasitic contamination, there is need to invest in safe production and processing measures given that the country is now expanding the fisheries production by involving smallholder farmers. This would present an opportunity for fish farmers to participate in lucrative fish export markets.