BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI (INTERN)
DVOKOLWAKO – Farmer Mdumiseni Dlamini from Dvokolwako, Mliba is improving beans production through sustainable methods under the Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project supported by partners.
Dlamini presented his progress report this season, explaining that the initiative is implemented by the Eswatini National Trust Commission with funding from the Global Environment Facility and technical support from the UN Environment Programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture. He said the Umbuluzi Ecosystem partners provided him with 10 kilograms of bean seed, a sack of fertilizer, and pesticides, enabling him to adopt improved yet traditional farming practices on his land.
“We made holes and planted four seeds per hole to avoid tilling a large area,” Dlamini said. He explained that planting is done just after summer to reduce the risk of heavy rains damaging flowers during pollination, while also limiting insect activity. According to Dlamini, each hole is prepared with four bottle-cap measures of manure, followed by top dressing with LAN fertilizer after three weeks. He added that early weeding is critical to avoid disturbing the flowering stage.
Project coordinators said Dlamini’s approach reflects the goals of sustainable land management, which aims to restore degraded land while improving productivity. They noted that such practices enhance soil fertility, conserve biodiversity, and build resilience against climate variability, contributing to both environmental protection and improved livelihoods.
The collaboration between project partners, extension officers, and farmers has been described as key to the programme’s success. It was reported that ongoing support and knowledge-sharing are ensuring that farmers effectively implement these techniques in their fields.
As adoption grows across the Mbuluzi River Basin, the project is expected to deliver long-term sustainability. Dlamini’s progress highlights how practical interventions at farm level can drive broader ecological restoration while strengthening food security for rural communities.
#MbuluziRestoration #SustainableLandManagement #ClimateResilience
