BY MBONO MDLULI
MANZINI– The Kingdom of Eswatini has taken a decisive stride towards a safer, healthier and more sustainable agricultural future, as Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka announced government’s commitment to significantly reduce – and ultimately phase out – the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).
The announcement was made on Thursday, November 20, 2025 during a strategic training workshop on the identification of HHPs held at The George Hotel in Manzini.
The workshop, attended by representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Health Organisation (WHO), CEJAD, the Centre for Pesticides Poisoning, senior government officials and other key stakeholders, marked what the Minister described as a “decisive moment” in Eswatini’s path to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Minister Tshawuka underscored the vital role of agriculture in Eswatini’s rural livelihoods and national food sovereignty. He said the sector must continue to grow in a manner that boosts productivity and efficiency while protecting public health and the ecological balance on which food production depends.
“For too long, the misuse and mismanagement of Highly Hazardous Pesticides has been a scourge in our communities,” he said. “These chemicals have contaminated our water and soil and contributed to severe illnesses, chronic conditions and tragic poisoning incidents. The loss of a single life is one too many.”
He highlighted Methomyl – commonly known as Master 900 – as a key concern, often used as a deadly poison in self-harm and other-party poisoning cases. The Minister expressed deep sympathy for the lives lost and reiterated the government’s resolve to protect citizens from such dangers.
Eswatini’s plan to phase out HHPs is anchored in regional and international commitments, including the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy and the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. The Minister emphasised that progress will require a collective, multi-sectoral approach involving health services, law enforcement, environmental agencies, farmers, agro-dealers and international development partners.
“This seminar is the beginning of a journey,” he said. “A journey that will result in the creation of a national list of HHPs earmarked for restriction or withdrawal, strengthened regulatory controls, and the promotion of safer alternatives such as Integrated Pest Management and biological controls.”
Key actions outlined by the Ministry include reviewing pesticide legislation, strengthening monitoring systems, enhancing surveillance of poisoning cases, and providing extensive training for extension officers and agro-dealers. Eswatini will also scale up climate-smart and ecological agricultural practices that reduce reliance on harmful chemicals.
The benefits of these efforts are far-reaching. Minister Tshawuka noted that phasing out HHPs will protect farmers and communities, safeguard biodiversity, and increase the competitiveness of Eswatini’s agricultural products in regional and global markets. Ultimately, he said, the nation will build a resilient food system that guarantees the well-being of current and future generations.
“Today’s gathering is a clear demonstration of our national commitment,” the Minister concluded. “Together, we can shape a future where agricultural productivity and human safety go hand in hand.”
(Courtesy Pic)
