By PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – A Manzini-based farmer has emerged the biggest winner at this year’s Woman Farmer of the Year Competition (WOFACO), walking away with prizes valued at over E142,000.
Nokuthula Matsebula, a vegetable farmer, was named the 2024 Woman Farmer of the Year during the competition’s 17th edition, hosted by the Women Farmer Foundation (WFF). In the youth category, Nokwanda Nxumalo claimed the top spot, earning prizes worth over E52,000 for her impressive work in agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka commended the winners for their innovation and leadership in the sector. He described the competition as a vital tool in enhancing food security, boosting economic growth, and empowering women and youth in farming.
“This initiative aligns with His Majesty the King’s mandate to ensure economic growth while addressing hunger and poverty among the local population,” he noted.
Tshawuka acknowledged ongoing challenges faced by women in agriculture, such as limited access to land, water, and resources. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting women through inclusive policies and programmes.
The minister also unveiled the E851 million Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP), supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project is set to benefit youth, women, and people living with disabilities.
Founder of the Women Farmer Foundation, Sonia Paiva, delivered a keynote speech during the 18th anniversary of the competition, highlighting the diverse entries from 18 agricultural enterprises. She revealed that the adult category winner received equipment and inputs including a manual tractor, water tank, irrigation piping, fencing, and seeds. The youth winner also took home similar tools alongside a cash prize.
Paiva said the competition had evolved into a platform that not only celebrates women but also advocates for solutions to the barriers they face, including market access, financing, and resource limitations. She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, and farming communities to build a more inclusive agricultural sector.
She also urged farmers to diversify their operations and engage in the entire agricultural value chain to improve food security and profitability.
Winners in the Adult Category:
Nokuthula Matsebula (Manzini) – E142,300
Sihle Ndlela (Hhohho) – E51,385
Nomsa Manana (Hhohho) – E42,567
Lena Dlamini (Manzini) – E14,000
Bulelwa Matsenjwa (Manzini) – E14,000
Simphiwe Ntjangase (Shiselweni) – E7,800
Nomcebo Shongwe (Lubombo) – E7,620
Tshidi Mduli (Manzini) – E7,430
Mavis Mhlongo (Hhohho) – E6,800
Sithembile Matsebula (Lubombo) – E6,617
Winners in the Youth Category:
Nokwanda Nxumalo (Manzini) – E52,605
Boniswa Dlamini (Hhohho) – E44,605
Nontsetselelo Dlamini (Lubombo) – E35,950
Lindelwa Msimango (Manzini) – E16,000
Sinegugu Mavuso (Hhohho) – E12,000
Gcinile Motsa (Shiselweni) – E9,500
Gcinile Shabangu (Manzini) – E8,500
Phetsile Dlamini (Shiselweni II) – E8,000
Nthando Malinga (Hhohho) – E8,000
Khabonina Tsabedze (Lubombo) – E6,920
This year’s edition saw 251 entries—158 adults and 93 youth—highlighting a growing interest in agriculture, particularly among the younger generation.
As the event concluded, both the minister and Paiva expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, participants, and sponsors, reaffirming the foundation’s mission to cultivate a resilient and thriving agricultural sector in Eswatini.
