Eswatini Prime Minister lauds FAO’s support in agrifood systems transformation – Agriculture Business and Investment Forum

Mbabane – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has supported the Government of Eswatini to launch the Agriculture Business and Investment Forum, held from 18th to19th September 2024, in Manzini. The event, held as the country’s preparatory session to the Hand In Hand Initiative to be held during October in Rome, featured a keynote address by His Excellency, Right Honorable Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for FAO’s continued technical support in enhancing agricultural initiatives over recent years. He highlighted that the Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan (ENAIP) is driven by principles aligned with global, continental, and regional initiatives, including the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), Agenda 2063, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and the Food Systems approach.

The National Agricultural Investment Plan serves as a comprehensive strategy for the Government of Eswatini, aimed at transforming agrifood systems to promote sustainable food production practices that build resilience within communities. The forum attracted participation from senior government officials, members of parliamentary portfolio committees in agriculture, senators, and various ministers, marking a significant step in FAO's delivery of the Four Betters, better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.

This agrifood systems approach is deeply embedded in FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which seeks to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through agrifood systems transformation. FAO aims to employ four cross-cutting “accelerators”: (i) technology, (ii) innovation, (iii) data, and (iv) complements (including governance, human capital, and institutions) across all programmatic interventions, striving to maximize impact while minimizing trade-offs and safeguarding livelihoods.

During the event, FAO presented a series of global initiatives, including the Hand In Hand Initiative (HiHi), which supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes designed to accelerate agrifood systems transformation with goals of eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10).

Furthermore, the One Country One One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative focuses on addressing issues impacting agrifood systems with a country-led, country-driven approach targeting Special Agricultural Products (SAPs).

“As part of our ongoing commitment to support smallholder farmers, FAO is implementing the Agro-Techno Hubs Pilot Project in Eswatini to enhance incomes for smallholder farmers. This project explores tunnel farming as an alternative to boost exports and food security while promoting sustainability and resilience among smallholder farmers,” stated Patrice Talla Takoukam, the Subregional Coordinator for FAO, Southern Africa.

Howard Mbuyisa, Director of the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund, emphasized the critical need for on-farm investment, noting, “Banks and other lending institutions only provide finance for equipment. The Agricultural Development Fund will unlock the investment capital for smallholder farmers as it is going to fund smallholder farmers with infrastructure finance.”

The forum also saw pledges of support from partners and vertical funding organizations for the government initiatives launched. The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) committed to support climate-resilient agricultural ventures and encouraged youth entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity of small grants for environmentally friendly investments in their agricultural projects.

Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuke, urged all investors to play a significant role in transforming agrifood systems, stating that these initiatives hold the potential to assist the Government in alleviating food security challenges and building resilience. He further noted that the Government of Eswatini is actively implementing the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP), which is one of the selected investment areas under the Hand in hand Initiative, to unlock the country's agricultural potential and make significant investments in Special Agricultural Products (SAPs) to bolster food security and resilience.

This collaborative effort between FAO and the Government of Eswatini exemplifies a commitment to enhancing the resilience of local communities through sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on the transformation of agrifood systems, the partnership aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change, economic pressures, and food insecurity.

The Agriculture Business and Investment Forum provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, share innovative ideas, and build partnerships. It highlighted the importance of aligning agricultural initiatives with national development goals to ensure a cohesive approach toward food security and sustainability.

In light of the challenges that Eswatini faces - such as drought, fluctuating market conditions, and the overall impact of climate change - this initiative is crucial for fortifying the country’s agricultural sector. The integration of innovative farming techniques, along with strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, is pivotal for scaling up production and improving livelihoods.

As part of FAO’s ongoing mission to promote sustainable agrifood systems, the organization continues to provide vital technical expertise and resources to support the Government of Eswatini in realizing the objectives outlined in the ENAIP and its annexes. This collaborative effort aims to enhance productivity and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for all agricultural stakeholders, especially smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the country's food system.

Looking ahead, it is essential for all partners - government, private sector, and civil society - to work collaboratively to create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, investment, and sustainability. By harnessing the potential of local communities and investing in their capacities, Eswatini can achieve its vision of a resilient agricultural sector that provides adequate food, supports economic growth, and promotes social equity.

In conclusion, the Government of Eswatini is actively making use of the Hand in Hand Initiative to support the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations to eradicate poverty (SDG1), end hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reduce inequalities (SDG10). This concerted effort promises not only to enhance food security and resilience but also to provide a sustainable route for economic development and improved livelihoods for the people of Eswatini.