By Thokozani Mazibuko
EWADE, NDMA and NMC have began a journey that promises to accelerate food Sovereignty in Eswatini as now they have ventured into Bean production.
Interestingly they have began this journey in a farm at Ezikhotheni called Paradise Farm.
In a historic moment for the nation’s agricultural sector, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the National Maize Corporation (NMC) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing food sovereignty in Eswatini.
This innovative collaboration was announced today during the launch of a transformative 50-hectare bean production project at Paradise Farm.
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The signing ceremony marked a significant milestone in Eswatini’s agricultural landscape, emphasizing the power of partnership and shared vision in addressing food insecurity.
Dr. Silwayiphi Sithole, CEO of EWADE, expressed both honour and excitement as he addressed attendees, underscoring the collaboration’s potential to effect real change in the nation.
“This ground-breaking project is far more than just a productive plot of land it is a bold and strategic step forward in realizing Eswatini’s vision for Food Sovereignty,” said Dr. Sithole.
“Through this initiative, we are not just supporting the Ministry of Agriculture’s goal to cultivate 10,000 hectares and produce 10,000 metric tons of beans by 2028; we are actively bringing it to life, one harvest at a time.”
The 50-hectare project at Paradise Farm is seen as a crucial component of the Ministry of Agriculture’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, designed to boost national food production and promote agricultural self-sufficiency.
The MoU signifies a unified commitment by the three agencies to work together, leveraging their resources and expertise to achieve shared goals.
it should be noted that farmers at the ceremony witnessed not just the signing of the MoU, but also the tangible results of this purpose-driven initiative.
The bean production project is expected to enhance local food production and create opportunities for employment, thereby contributing to the overall economic resilience of communities.
The partnership between EWADE, NDMA, and NMC is a clarion call to other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to join forces in fostering food sovereignty.
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As Dr. Sithole highlighted, “This is a collaborative effort that underscores the belief that together, we can achieve greater heights than any single entity can attain alone.”
It is worth mentioning that as Eswatini strives towards self-sufficiency in food production, this MoU represents a forward-looking approach to combating food insecurity and underscores the nation’s commitment to agricultural sovereignty.
With the ink still drying on the agreement, there is palpable optimism for a future where Eswatini can feed itself and build a more resilient agricultural sector for generations to come.
According to the EWADE CEO, this initiative not only marks a turning point in agricultural practices but also promotes community involvement and sustainable farming efforts, ensuring that resources are used wisely to support both the environment and the economy.
