Top Women Farmers to be honoured at National Awards

By Delisa Magagula

The Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, will host the 18th Annual Woman Farmer Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony next week to honour Eswatini’s leading female farmers.

The event marks the conclusion of a nationwide selection process that began in September and drew a record 247 participants from across all four ecological regions of the Kingdom.

All the contestants farm on Swazi Nation Land, reflecting the growing participation of women in the country’s agricultural production.

The Manzini Region recorded the highest number of entries, reaffirming its position as Eswatini’s agricultural hub.

The large turnout also signals rising interest in agribusiness among women farmers, particularly in key sectors such as crop production, livestock, and dairy.

The competition featured two main categories: the Youth Category and the Adult Category. The first phase of judging held from September 15-30, 2025, shortlisted the Top 15 contestants in each category.

A second, more detailed round of evaluations followed, conducted by a panel of judges drawn from major agricultural institutions.

These included the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard), National Maize Corporation (NMC), World Vision, the Dairy Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Woman Farmer Foundation.

The multi-institutional panel assessed each contestant based on productivity, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.
The process concluded with the selection of the Top 10 finalists in both the Youth and Adult divisions.

The much-anticipated Woman Farmer of the Year Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2025, at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo.

The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, will deliver the keynote address, expected to focus on the critical role of women in strengthening food security and driving economic resilience through agriculture.

According to the WFF, this year’s event aims not only to recognise excellence but also to inspire more women to engage in productive and profitable farming ventures.

“The finalists represent hard work, innovation, and resilience,” a WFF representative said, adding that the foundation was proud of the growth of women-led farming initiatives across the country.

The ceremony is expected to attract key players in Eswatini’s agricultural sector, including agribusiness investors, policymakers, development partners, and previous competition winners.

The Woman Farmer of the Year Competition has become a flagship event in the country’s agricultural calendar, promoting gender inclusion, food production, and sustainable farming practices.

Over the years, the initiative has contributed to empowering rural women through training, mentorship, and exposure to agricultural markets.

Many past winners have since expanded their operations, creating employment opportunities and improving food availability at the community level.

As preparations intensify for next week’s event, anticipation is building among farmers and stakeholders alike.

The 18th edition is expected to highlight not only the progress made by Eswatini’s women farmers but also their growing contribution to national economic development.