Govt pledges collaboration, not control, in market study

By Delisa Magagula

The Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a nationwide, two-week National Market Assessment Exercise.

During this launch the Government made a clear distinction that the process is a national effort to gather data, not an inspection or an audit.

This critical exercise, which takes place every five years, is designed to generate the evidence base required to safeguard the Kingdom’s food sovereignty and economic stability, particularly in the face of persistent climate and market shocks.

Under Secretary Vincent Dlamini, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, made the assurance while commissioning the assessment.

He stressed that the success of the exercise hinges entirely on the honesty and cooperation of the public.

“Your openness and accurate information will ensure that the results of this assessment truly reflect the situation on the ground,” Dlamini said.

“Remember, this is not an inspection or audit, but an exercise to gather accurate information, a national effort to strengthen our markets for everyone’s benefit,” he added.

The 2025 assessment is running from November 13 to November 27. Data collection teams are tasked with canvassing the country, engaging with retail outlets, market vendors, wholesalers, and consumers to map the flow, availability, and pricing of essential food and non-food items.

According to Dlamini the comprehensive study is expected to yield data that will form the backbone of government and development partner strategies over the next half-decade.

He said its objectives include developing targeted market support interventions for producers and traders, strengthening early warning systems for food security, a lesson heavily drawn from recent crises and informing price monitoring and consumer protection measures to ensure fair market access.

“Supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to better compete and thrive. The Ministry’s focus on evidence-based decision-making aims to improve the government’s capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to economic volatility,” said Dlamini on behalf of the minister.

In addition, Dlamini said climate-induced impacts like droughts or floods, and global supply chain disruptions that directly affect livelihoods across Eswatini, needed to be responded to promptly.

Worth mentioning the agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, and its resilience is key to national stability.