BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – Acting Prime Minister Thuli Dladla has called for the adoption of digital agriculture and innovative technologies as Eswatini seeks to transform its agricultural sector into a modern competitive and climate resilient industry.
Speaking during the official launch of the Agriculture Sector Review (ASR) and the Agricultural Solutions Marketplace at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Wednesday on behalf of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, the Acting Prime Minister said innovation must become the driving force behind agricultural transformation.
The two-day strategic dialogue brings together government officials, development partners, farmers, researchers, financial institutions, private sector players and innovators to discuss solutions aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.
The Acting Prime Minister said agriculture remained central to Eswatini’s development as it provided livelihoods for thousands of emaSwati, supported food sovereignty, created employment opportunities and contributed to rural development.
However, she acknowledged that the sector continued to face challenges including the effects of climate change, low productivity, fragmented value chains, limited value addition, inadequate access to finance and restricted market opportunities.
“These challenges, however, should not discourage us. Rather, they should strengthen our resolve to pursue bold reforms and innovative solutions that will unlock the full potential of our agricultural economy,” Dladla stated.
The Acting Prime Minister said the Agriculture Sector Review provided government with an evidence-based roadmap to guide reforms and investments needed to improve the performance of the sector.
She said the review highlighted areas where government needed to strengthen institutions, improve service delivery, invest strategically and create an enabling environment for farmers and agribusinesses to succeed.
Ccording to the Acting Prime Minister, the ASR is aligned with the National Development Plan 2023–2028, the Programme of Action for the same period and the Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan (ENAIP 2.0), which seek to improve food sovereignty, increase productivity, create jobs, promote agro-processing and strengthen resilience against climate change.
Dladla emphasised that agricultural transformation could not be achieved by government alone, noting that partnerships between government, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, research organisations and farmer groups were critical.
She said the Agricultural Solutions Marketplace was important because it moved beyond discussions about challenges by showcasing practical solutions that had already produced results.
“Unlike traditional conferences that focus only on identifying problems, this Marketplace is about showcasing practical solutions that have already demonstrated results,” he said.
The Acting Prime Minister said the platform provided innovators, entrepreneurs and agribusinesses with an opportunity to demonstrate technologies, business models and partnerships that could be expanded to improve productivity, strengthen value chains and create employment.
She encouraged stakeholders to embrace new approaches including digital agriculture, precision farming, climate-smart technologies, mechanisation, improved irrigation systems, modern livestock production, biotechnology and efficient post-harvest management.
“Innovation must become the engine of agricultural transformation,” said Dlamini.
She further stressed the importance of developing agro-processing industries that would allow Eswatini to add value to agricultural products before they reach local and international markets.
The Acting Prime Minister said government remained committed to creating an environment that encouraged agricultural investment and supported agriculture as a profitable business venture.
“We recognise that agriculture must increasingly become an attractive business venture capable of generating sustainable returns while creating jobs and improving livelihoods,” he said.
She said this would require increased access to affordable finance, stronger agricultural insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms, investment in rural infrastructure, improved logistics and policies that encouraged private investment and public-private partnerships.
Dladla called on financial institutions, investors and development partners to work with government in unlocking opportunities across agricultural value chains.
She identified priority commodities such as grains, livestock, horticulture and industrial crops as areas with significant potential for commercial growth, import substitution and export expansion.
The Acting Prime Minister also encouraged young people to view agriculture as a business opportunity rather than merely a subsistence activity.
“The future of agriculture belongs to you. Therefore grab opportunities with both hands,” she said.
She said modern agriculture was driven by innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and business leadership, adding that opportunities existed in areas such as food processing, logistics, research, digital solutions and climate-smart production systems.
Dladla also expressed government’s appreciation to farmers for their resilience and commitment to feeding the nation despite growing challenges.
She assured farmers that government would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving extension services, strengthening farmer organisations, increasing productivity and expanding access to markets.
The Acting Prime Minister urged participants at the strategic dialogue to ensure that discussions translated into action and measurable commitments.
“The discussions over the next two days must not end as recommendations on paper. They must produce practical actions, measurable commitments and stronger partnerships,” she said.
She said the country had an opportunity to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness.
#AgricultureTransformation #DigitalAgriculture #EswatiniAgriculture #FoodSovereignty #ClimateSmartAgriculture #Agribusiness #AgriculturalInnovation #ENAIP20 #EconomicGrowth #EswatiniDevelopment
