The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) signed a MOU during the Pulses 2019 Convention last week, marking the first time the GPC enters into such an agreement with a UN organization. The ITC is the only development agency committed to helping small- and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries to connect with international markets for trade and investment. The GPC, the premier association for the global pulses industry value chain, is especially interested in promoting pulse production and consumption throughout the world.

“The implementation of this MOU will achieve the following. First, it will diversify the source of pulses production and supply; second, it will contribute to Eastern and Southern Africa becoming important growers of pulses; and last but not least farmers will enhance their livelihoods,” said Govind Venuprasad, Coordinator, Supporting Indian Trade and Investment for Africa (SITA), ITC. “I thank the GPC for giving us the chance to highlight Africa’s immense potential at this important global gathering.”

“Africa is of growing importance to the global pulse industry,” said outgoing GPC President Hüseyin Arslan. “One thing I learned when I visited Africa is that women are the main pulse growers there. By supporting the pulse sector, therefore, we are also supporting gender equality.”

“The global pulse industry has important contributions to make to sustainable agriculture,” said incoming GPC President Cindy Brown. “In many parts of the world, especially in Africa, soil degradation is a major threat to food security. By including pulse crops in their rotations, farmers can revitalize their soil and boost productivity. This is an area where our partnership with the ITC can make a big difference for smallholder farmers.”

Under the agreement, the GPC and the ITC will work together to foster trade and business relationships, provide training and capacity building activities and bolster trade support networks in the pulse sectors of developing markets.