The Republic of China (Taiwan) has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Eswatini’s agricultural development,
describing its partnership with the country as key to building climate resilience and creating opportunities for young people.
Addressing the launch of the Innovative Climate Smart Youth Tunnel Production Training Programme at Sidvokodvo, 
Taiwan Ambassador Jeremy Liang announced his country’s US$146 000 (about E2.4 million) investment towards this year’s training programme.
Liang said climate change continued to threaten agriculture across Africa, making it necessary for countries to invest in smart farming technologies that improve productivity while protecting natural resources.
He said Taiwan understood these challenges because it had previously relied heavily on agriculture before transforming its economy through research, technological innovation and modern farming methods.
“Our objective is to help Eswatini strengthen climate resilience, improve food security and create employment opportunities through smart agriculture,” he said.
Liang said what impressed Taiwan most was not only the increasing number of graduates, but also seeing former participants establishing successful farming enterprises after completing the programme.
He also welcomed the government’s plans to recognise the Woman Farmer Foundation as a Smart Agricultural Training Centre under Eswatini’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system.
Liang described the planned accreditation as a major milestone that would expand opportunities for more young people to receive recognised practical agricultural training. “This is truly a monumental achievement.
Together, we are making a magnificent impact,” he said.
He highlighted several areas of cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini, including fruit tree production, aquaculture, goat production, traditional vegetable promotion and technical vocational education.
Woman Farmer Foundation founder and director Sonia Paiva said the initiative was designed to change perceptions that agriculture was merely a means of survival.
She said the foundation’s goal was to develop entrepreneurs capable of building successful businesses, creating employment and transforming rural communities.
“Our vision is to develop entrepreneurs who will build successful businesses, create jobs and transform rural communities,” she said.
Paiva thanked the government and Taiwan for supporting the foundation’s vision and encouraged participants to use the training to establish sustainable agricultural enterprises.
