By Ncaba Ntshakala
Business Eswatini has placed food security at the center of national economic discussions, emphasizing the need to transform agricultural production models to safeguard Eswatini’s future.
During the recent Trade and Commerce Committee meeting, members acknowledged the increasing threats posed by climate change and economic instability, calling for urgent interventions to enhance food security and agricultural resilience.
The committee highlighted that Eswatini must shift towards large-scale, high-yield agricultural practices to strengthen the country’s ability to meet domestic food needs while remaining competitive in regional and global markets.
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“Recognizing food insecurity as a growing concern, particularly due to climate change impacts, the Committee called for a review of agricultural production models,” stated Business Eswatini.
The emphasis is on scaling up production in areas where the country has a competitive advantage, such as sugar, while also reassessing investment in lower-return crops to optimize economic sustainability.
The meeting also highlighted the need for private and public sector collaboration to ensure a robust agricultural system that aligns with modern economic demands.
“The Secretariat has been directed to engage private and public agricultural stakeholders to review these production models,” the committee revealed, signaling an intention to bring industry experts and policymakers together to craft a sustainable approach.
Given the anticipated decline in SACU revenues, the committee urged the government to prioritize strategic investments in agriculture to mitigate economic risks and enhance food production capacity.
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With the climate crisis threatening crop yields and increasing food import dependence, Business Eswatini stressed that revising agricultural strategies is no longer an option but a necessity.
The discussion reinforced the need to adopt sustainable farming techniques, maximize economies of scale, and introduce innovation into the agricultural sector.
The committee’s resolutions are expected to guide engagements with relevant ministries and agencies in the coming months, with updates scheduled for the next quarterly meeting in May 2025.
