Eswatini commemorates World Food Day and FAO80 Anniversary

Mkhiweni Inkhundla, Eswatini – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Eswatini, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, commemorated World Food Day today with a national event, marking the organization’s 80th anniversary and reinforcing commitments to resilient agrifood systems in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Hosted by the Honourable Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, the celebration brought together key stakeholders, including FAO Assistant Representative Tendai Munyokoveri, World Vision Country Director Amos Zaindi, and chief executives from state-owned enterprises under the Ministry of Agriculture, such as the National Maize Corporation (NMC), Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), Cotton Board, and National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBOARD). The event received support from Rome-based agencies, including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP), as well as World Vision.

In his keynote address, Minister Tshawuka highlighted Eswatini’s efforts to enhance climate resilience through infrastructure development. “Building climate resilience by constructing dams across the country, from scoop dams for livestock, medium dams for irrigation and big reservoirs for large scale commercial farming. Examples include the proliferation of scoop dams (construction and rehabilitation), 16 EU funded medium dams, Mangcongco and Sidvokodvo dams and, of course, the flagship, Mphakeni dam,” he said.

FAO Assistant Representative Tendai Munyokoveri emphasized the strengthening partnership between FAO and the Government of Eswatini. “We appreciate the signing of the new Host Country Agreement which establishes FAO as a fully-fledged office in Eswatini,” she stated, underscoring how this milestone will enable expanded support for national agricultural priorities.

Observed annually on 16 October, World Food Day serves as a global call to action against hunger, malnutrition, and food insecurity. Established by a United Nations resolution in 1979 and first observed in 1981, it is now marked in over 150 countries, promoting sustainable agriculture and equitable access to nutritious food.

This year’s commemoration also celebrates 80 years since FAO’s founding in 1945. Under the theme “Hand in Hand for a Better Life and a Better Future,” the event in Eswatini focused on collective action across institutions and communities to transform agrifood systems, ensuring regular access to high-quality, nutritious food for healthy and active lives.

Key activities included exhibitions showcasing local agricultural innovations, such as climate-smart practices and value chain improvements supported by FAO and its partners. Panel discussions featured insights from chief executives on strengthening market access and rural enterprise development, while addresses from Zaindi highlighted community-led nutrition and livelihood programs.

FAO’s longstanding work in Eswatini centers on rural development, with emphasis on capacity building, infrastructure, and mechanization to benefit communities. FAO's initiatives include the climate-resilient agriculture programme, which has provided farmers with technologies like tunnels and shade net structures to protect crops and farmers incomes. The STOSAR II project, a EUR 10 million effort funded by the European Union and implemented with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is advancing value chains, market access, and sustainable practices for smallholder farmers.

FAO’s support for addressing ticks and tick-borne diseases has safeguarded livestock health, contributing to stable incomes in the agricultural sector. Through the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, FAO continues to mobilize resources and partnerships, aligning with Eswatini’s priorities under the Country Programming Framework 2022-2025 and accessing funds like the Green Climate Fund to tackle climate challenges and foster inclusive growth.

Looking forward, FAO remains dedicated to deepening bonds with the Government of Eswatini, as evidenced by recent milestones such as the Host Country Agreement and bilateral engagements. These efforts aim to build efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems that empower farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure food security as a fundamental right for all.