BY NOKWANDA DLAMIN(INTERN)
EZULWINI – Eswatini’s hides industry is pursuing growth after losing about E1 million worth of hides when more than 15,000 were discarded during the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which disrupted trade through border closures and forced industry players to focus on improving quality standards and accessing new export markets.
Director of Ngwane Enterprise, Jonathan van Staden, said the sector suffered significant disruption as his company and others were unable to export hides to processing factories in South Africa, including Polokwane.
He explained that FMD outbreaks often trigger strict movement controls and temporary bans on livestock and related products, directly affecting the hides value chain. As a result, many hides could not be processed or sold in time, leading to spoilage and financial losses.
Despite the setback, van Staden expressed optimism about the future of the industry, highlighting efforts to strengthen the value chain and improve competitiveness.
“We have faced a major setback, but this also presents an opportunity to rebuild a stronger and more resilient industry,” he said. “By improving quality at the farm level, we can access better-paying markets and increase returns for both farmers and businesses.”
He identified poor animal husbandry practices as a key challenge affecting hide quality, noting that issues such as branding marks, improper flaying and inadequate storage reduce the value of hides before they reach processors.
However, he welcomed interventions by the Eswatini Standards Authority, which is working towards introducing national standards aimed at improving product quality and consistency across the sector.
Van Staden said these initiatives are critical in restoring confidence and ensuring that Eswatini meets international market requirements. He added that better compliance would not only reduce losses but also open doors to premium export markets.
With coordinated efforts between farmers, businesses and regulators, the hides sector is expected to recover and emerge stronger, turning the FMD setback into an opportunity for sustainable growth.
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(Courtesy Pic)
