By Lwazi Dlamini
In a bold initiative, the EWADE, in partnership with NMC, is calling on qualified insurers to transform Eswatini’s agricultural sector and secure food security through a groundbreaking project designed to reshape Eswatini’s maize production.
Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) is inviting insurers to submit their Expressions of Interest (EoI) for prequalification to provide crop insurance under the Commercial Maize Project (CMP),
a government-endorsed programme through the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at boosting maize production while safeguarding farmers from the inevitable risks that come with farming.
Protecting farmers
EWADE’s Corporate Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe, stressed the pivotal role that insurance companies can play in supporting Eswatini’s farmers.
“We are seeking more than just insurers; we want partners who recognize the importance of maize production to Eswatini’s food sovereignty.
Crop insurance ensures that farmers can face unpredictable climate challenges with confidence, knowing their investments are protected,” Hlophe said.
She further added, “This is a unique opportunity for insurers to join EWADE and the National Maize Corporation (NMC) in driving Eswatini’s agricultural revolution—one that promises a self-sufficient future for our nation.
By partnering with us, insurers will contribute to safeguarding Eswatini’s maize production, which is essential to securing the nation’s food supply.”
How insurers can get involved
Hlophe went on to highlight that insurance companies that meet the necessary qualifications are invited to submit their EoI, along with all required documentation.
This includes a signed Declaration of Eligibility, valid trading licenses, Eswatini Financial Services Regulatory Authority licenses, and other compliance certificates.
A non-refundable fee of E350 is required to obtain the tender document. Submissions must be delivered no later than Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to EWADE’s headquarters in Siphofaneni.
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The CCM said interested insurers can obtain further details and the full tender document by contacting EWADE’s procurement office via email at procurement@eswade.co.sz, or by visiting EWADE offices during business hours.
A lasting partnership
Furthermore, CMP Project Manager Robert Mabundza underscored the significance of this collaboration, noting that it represents a monumental step in securing the future of Eswatini’s maize production.
“By partnering with us, insurers can help build a resilient agricultural sector that ensures food security for our people.
Together, we can create a sustainable future for Eswatini’s farmers and bolster the nation’s economic stability,” he said.
In this regard, insurers now have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in ensuring Eswatini’s food security and agricultural sustainability by becoming a part of this innovative and transformative project.
Driving economic resilience
According to Mabundza, the CMP is a key component of Eswatini’s national strategy to increase grain maize output by clustering farmers on Eswatini Nation Land (ENL).
Participating farmers receive crucial support through the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund, allowing them to boost productivity and contribute significantly to the country’s maize supply.
“To ensure the long-term success of the project, EWADE is calling on insurers to offer coverage against a variety of risks, including heat waves, hailstorms, drought, excessive rainfall, pests, floods, fires, and even civil unrest,” he reiterated.
Beyond increasing maize production, the CMP is a crucial tool for strengthening the country’s economy by reducing reliance on imported maize.
Mabundza explained that the project will help local farmers increase output, create jobs, and reduce poverty, all while ensuring a stable supply of maize for Eswatini’s population.
“This project isn’t just about growing maize—it’s about economic resilience,” he said. “By decreasing our dependence on imports, we’re boosting local production and ensuring Eswatini can weather potential disruptions, whether due to pandemics, political unrest, or supply chain challenges,” he said.
A partnership for progress
The success of the CMP hinges on the collaboration between EWADE and NMC. EWADE provides critical farming inputs through the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund, while NMC guarantees a stable market for farmers’ produce, ensuring they can focus on cultivation without the uncertainty of market conditions.
The project, valued at E44,812,500, is expected to yield 30,000 metric tons of maize annually over 6,800 hectares of land.
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Mabundza emphasized that the project is about more than agriculture, it’s about creating a resilient economy.
“Reducing our reliance on imported maize is crucial, not only for food security but for our economic stability. By increasing domestic production, we’re securing the future of Eswatini’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Eligibility and participation
The CMP targets farmers across all four regions of Eswatini, with a focus on those cultivating a minimum of 5 hectares under ENL.
To qualify, farmers must have at least three years of experience in commercial maize production.
Priority is given to farmers in high-rainfall areas, while those in regions with lower rainfall must have irrigation systems in place.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture for driving a strategy that facilitates a commercial production system that guarantees food sovereignty, job creation and economic development for Eswatini,” Mabundza concluded.
