BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
EZULWINI – Eswatini has showcased a multi-pronged agricultural transformation drive that includes a major dam project, expansion of the national seed bank, grain reserves, agro-processing and new opportunities for youth as the country moves to shield its food system from climate shocks.
Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka said the initiatives were part of government’s efforts to transform agriculture from a sector vulnerable to climate change and external input dependence into a productive, market-oriented and resilient industry.
Tshawuka was speaking at the inaugural African Union Africa Seed Summit held at the Ezulwini Palazzo Convention Centre on Thursday.
He said Eswatini was undertaking a number of initiatives to strengthen the country’s agrifood system and create new opportunities for farmers and young people.
“For Eswatini, this Summit comes at a particularly important time. We are committed to transforming our agricultural sector from one that is vulnerable to climate shocks and external input dependencies into one that is market-oriented, productive, resilient, and capable of creating opportunities for our farmers and young people,” said Tshawuka.
At the centre of the government’s plans is the construction of one of the country’s biggest dams, which the minister said would incorporate an interbasin transfer system, power generation plant, agro-industrial park and an eco-city.
The project, according to Tshawuka, is expected to play a major role in strengthening the country’s agrifood system against climate change.
Government is also growing the country’s Seed Bank, with the minister saying this would help preserve indigenous seeds while allowing the propagation of new genetic material.
Tshawuka said government was also pushing the agro-processing agenda to ensure that more value was derived from agricultural produce before it reached the market.
Another intervention is the development of grain reserves, which he said would allow the country to store staple foods during years of good harvests for use when production is affected by poor seasons.
The minister said agriculture was also being positioned as a weapon against unemployment, particularly among young people.
“As a government, we realise the value of agriculture in combating unemployment through both primary production and downstream industries,” he said.
He said government was therefore positioning agriculture as a viable business and investment opportunity for the youth through agro-technology and innovation.
Tshawuka said financing remained critical to the transformation of the sector and government was providing targeted and blended funding through the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund.
He said government was also developing value chains and sustainable markets, supported by infrastructure to move produce from farms to different market destinations.
This includes a cold-storage facility at King Mswati III International Airport for agricultural products destined for export markets.
Tshawuka said the country’s agricultural transformation would require increased investment in research and development, local seed production, seed multiplication and certification.
He also called for efficient regulatory systems and stronger regional seed trade.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Deputy Regional Representative for Africa Ayman Omer said seed remained central to agricultural transformation.
“For a farmer, seed is far more than an input. It is the first decision of the season,” Omer said.
He said improved seed had to reach farmers in a form they could trust, afford and plant at the right time.
Tshawuka said Eswatini was ready to work with the African Union, development partners, research institutions and the private sector to advance the continent’s agricultural transformation agenda.
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