FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture focus on Water Management with the launch of the new Irrigation Master Plan

Manzini – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture to launch the Irrigation Master Plan, at The George Hotel, in Manzini. This project is part of the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP), which aims to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector by improving water resources management and irrigation infrastructure, aligning it with the Government of Eswatini’s priorities in the Eswatini Agricultural Investment Plan (ENAIP) 2.0, and the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31, which prioritizes sustainable agrifood systems, natural resources, and resilience.

The Master Plan, designed to support the 2nd Generation Eswatini Investment Plan, will guide national efforts to assess and manage water resources for irrigation. It seeks to attract investment in irrigation to support smallholder farmers through public-private partnerships. These collaborations are crucial for transforming the agriculture sector, a vital driver for economic growth and food security.

Participants at the inception workshop highlighted key challenges including the sustainability of water infrastructure management, limited investment in irrigation infrastructure, and the need for sustainable water practices among smallholder farmers. The Principal Secretary, Sydney Simelane in the Ministry of Agriculture emphasized the urgency of addressing water needs for a growing population and the importance of improving water efficiency and stating, “improving water use efficiency and structuring irrigation investments are critical to achieving our shared objectives."

“Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and a major source of employment for more than 70 percent of the population. ESswatini’s youth and the agro-based economy place the development of the country’s agrifood systems at heart of any strategy aiming to deliver employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people in both rural and urban areas,” he added

The FAO Representative, Patrice Talla Takoukam, highlighted the Government’s proactive measures to mitigate drought impacts and protect agricultural productivity, including a comprehensive national water resources assessment that will inform future investments. Talla noted, “The agricultural sector remains vital for socioeconomic growth and food security. Enhancing irrigation development directly supports the National Agricultural Investment Plan’s objectives.”

“Once fully implemented, the outcome will be increased productivity, efficient water and stability of agriculture output, thus minimized risks and increased private sector investments not only in production but in the food system as a whole,” added Patrice Talla Takoukam, FAO Representative and Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.

It is worth noting that inclusive stakeholder consultations will be vital. Collective efforts from Government ministries, departments, farmer organizations, and other partners will be essential to realize the full potential of the agriculture sector and pave the way for a sustainable and resilient economy, reinforcing FAO’s commitment to sustainable agrifood systems, natural resources management, and resilience as outlined in the Strategic Framework 2022-31 which seeks to support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable, agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.