WaLETS was a research project that investigated the ways in which policies and investments in the 5 key countries of the East African Community (EAC) can support a trade-facilitated food security, enhance the functioning and quality of ecosystem services, and empower women and youth. Specifically, the project sought to explore ways in which the production patterns of rice, maize and beans can be re-aligned to better exploit the intrinsic agroecological potential that exists in the EAC region.

The project was implemented by a consortium led by Kilimo Trust and included International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO formerly KARI), the Tanzania Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB).

1. Seven (7) policy briefs showing the need to implement trade policies that mainstream gender and ecosystem management for sustainable agriculture production and enhanced food security.
2. Forty (40) crop suitability maps for rice, maize and beans in the EAC including a GIS database, and two (2) scenario models that assess the effect on regional trade and the implications for prices, production volumes and corresponding areas under production of maize, rice and beans.
3. 4 technical reports produced i.e. Modelling report, GIS technical report, Gender report and policy report.