BY NOMTHANDAZO MAYISELA (Intern)
MANZINI – Farmers have welcomed Eswatini’s upcoming commercial cassava production project with enthusiasm, following an information-sharing session held at the Manzini National Library on Wednesday. The initiative, supported by approximately E740 million in funding from Israel, is expected to unlock new opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
The engagement was facilitated by Dr. Isaac Knafo, who outlined various opportunities linked to cassava production, including irrigation systems, fertiliser application, intercropping, processing and the cultivation of high-yield cassava varieties. Farmers were also introduced to the project’s vision of developing a sustainable and commercially viable cassava industry in Eswatini.
According to information shared by Agribusiness Media Eswatini, more than 600 farmers have already expressed interest in participating, highlighting growing confidence in the initiative and its potential to transform livelihoods.
For many smallholder farmers, the project presents an opportunity to increase household incomes, create employment and strengthen food production. Cassava’s resilience to drought and its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions make it a valuable crop as countries across Southern Africa continue adapting to climate change and changing rainfall patterns.
Preparations for planting are progressing, with a processing warehouse already operational in Siphofaneni. Planting is expected to commence during the upcoming rainy season, paving the way for farmers to expand production and access both local and export markets.
The project is also expected to support agricultural diversification by introducing cassava as an alternative cash crop alongside maize and sugarcane, helping to broaden income streams for farmers while strengthening national food security.
As implementation plans advance, farmers are looking forward to receiving technical training and support that will enable them to maximise production and benefit from one of the country’s most significant agribusiness investments in recent years.
