By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini is continuing its efforts towards enhancing food security and promoting sustainable economic growth in the country.
Recently, the Water Harvesting, Small and Medium Dams Project (WHDP) Works Implementation Programme was officially handed over at Buseleni, Nkwene Inkhundla.
This project worth hundreds of millions, has been hailed as a crucial step in developing 527.2 hectares of agricultural land across the Hhohho, Manzini, and Shiselweni regions.
The big project was completed by Inyatsi Construction.
The initiative is set to benefit farmers involved in 16 different schemes which will empower them to increase productivity and improve household incomes.
Beyond agriculture, it was shared that the project aims to strengthen Eswatini’s economy by reducing reliance on rain-dependent farming practices.
With the looming challenges of climate change, the project has also been cited to ensure that Eswatini’s agriculture sector remains resilient and productive.
During the handover ceremony, the Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka expressed deep gratitude to the European Union (EU) for their timely support.
ALSO READ: EU promotes women entrepreneurs in Eswatini
He highlighted the importance of this initiative in the context of climate change, emphasizing that relying solely on rainfall is no longer feasible.
The EU’s assistance has been pivotal in increasing the number of dams, particularly in drier regions, ensuring that farmers can maintain and expand their agricultural activities.
Representing the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, the Minister of Tinkhundla, Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini also praised the EU’s contribution.
He expressed the vital role of agriculture in Eswatini’s economy, noting its contributions to economic growth, employment, especially among the youth, export earnings, food security, and poverty alleviation.
The government, he assured, remains committed to prioritizing and investing in the agricultural sector to enhance its growth and resilience.
ALSO READ: EU funds Ministry of Agriculture with E183 million
EU Head of Cooperation Eva-Maria Engdahli applauded the Ministry of Agriculture for coordination to the project.
“May I take this opportunity to now extend much appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture for their coordination, management and steadfast support from the design stage of the project,” she said.
“The relevance of the Ministry of Agriculture in this project does not end with the handover of the schemes.
It is actually the beginning of a new era, where the relationship between the ministry and the benefitting farmers is supposed to transcend and evolve into one of ensuring that the schemes are put into vibrant production zones for much needed agricultural produce.”
