BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
EZULWINI– The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) has called for urgent, science-based measures to strengthen the country’s resilience to drought, highlighting that robust data and early warning systems are critical to protecting communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Speaking at the national stakeholder workshop held at the Royal Villas in Ezulwini on 25 November 2025, EEA Director of Environment Assessment and Compliance, Mxolisi Maphanga, stressed that drought is a recurring hazard in Eswatini’s semi-arid climate. “Robust early warning systems, impact assessments, and vulnerability analyses will enable us to anticipate drought and act before impacts cascade,” he said.
He warned that land degradation costs the country an estimated E1.725 billion annually, or 2.9% of GDP, while water resources remain under severe pressure, with much of Eswatini’s freshwater dependent on upstream flows from neighbouring countries. “Even modest declines in rainfall can trigger severe water shortages and cascading impacts on agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and human health,” Maphanga said.
The workshop brought together government officials, development partners, technical experts, and community leaders to review the National Drought Plan and develop actionable solutions. Maphanga emphasised the need for a comprehensive drought risk financing portfolio, including domestic budget allocations, partnerships with banks and insurers, and access to international climate funds.
He also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in planning, noting that women, youth, persons living with disabilities, and rural communities must be fully involved in decision-making. “Our task is to develop practical recommendations that update and implement the National Drought Plan, identify priority actions for building resilience, and define a clear drought risk financing portfolio and investment pipeline,” Maphanga said.
By putting science, data, and proactive planning at the centre of national efforts, Eswatini is taking decisive steps to transform drought from a recurring hazard into a manageable risk, safeguarding livelihoods and building a more resilient future.
#ClimateAction #DroughtResilience #EEAinAction
