The E851 million Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project has moved from planning into implementation, with direct engagement of farmers now underway across Eswatini.
SAPEMP Knowledge Management and Communications Officer Nokulinda Mazibuko-Motsamai confirmed this during the inaugural National Farmers’ Day, where she briefed Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka and his delegation on project progress.
According to Mazibuko-Motsamai, implementation activities are focused on raising production, strengthening market access and building climate resilience at the household level. 
She revealed that SAPEMP is targeting about 19 600 smallholder households, estimated at approximately 117 700 people, in all four regions of the country.
The project is prioritising horticulture and other selected value chains under a market-driven approach.
The objective, officials said, is to link increased production to structured markets to ensure sustainable income for farmers.
Government projects that the programme will create at least 7 500 jobs across the four regions.
The jobs are expected from on-farm activities, aggregation, post-harvest handling, transport and other services along the targeted value chains.
Mazibuko-Motsamai said the project is now working directly with farmers. “Implementation is now under way, with the project working directly with farmers to raise production, strengthen market access and build climate resilience,” she said.
She stated that for farmers the objective is to produce more, withstand climate shocks and convert production into sustainable income through stronger market linkages.
The E851 million investment will support inputs, production and marketing infrastructure, capacity building and systems to improve resilience to climate variability.
Mazibuko-Motsamai also outlined SAPEMP’s targeting strategy. She said women, youth and vulnerable groups are being deliberately included in project activities.
“Gender equality and social inclusion are being prioritised, with women, youth and vulnerable groups deliberately targeted for participation in productive agriculture and access to economic opportunities,” she said.
The update was delivered at the inaugural National Farmers’ Day, attended by Minister Tshawuka and stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
The event served as a platform to present SAPEMP’s transition from design to field implementation.
SAPEMP officials said mobilisation of farmer groups in target areas has commenced.
Coordination is ongoing between the Ministry of Agriculture, extension services and farmer structures to roll out activities.
Key performance indicators for SAPEMP include increased smallholder yields, improved market participation, and reduced vulnerability to climate shocks.
The 19 600 household target forms the core beneficiary base, with an estimated reach of 117 700 people through household-level benefits.
