FAO strengthens climate-resilient agrifood systems through baby vegetable training

Manzini, Eswatini – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBOARD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, successfully conducted a training workshop on baby vegetable production. This workshop brought together twelve smallholder farmers, primarily youth groups, as part of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative.

These farmers are beneficiaries of a comprehensive project aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture and enhancing their livelihoods through sustainable practices. A key component of this initiative is the installation of 0.2 hectares of shade nets, designed to protect crops from climate-induced risks. This effort is supported by the “Green Development of Baby Vegetables to Facilitate Export and Promote Decent Youth Employment in Eswatini” project.

The training program sought to equip smallholder farmers with essential skills in baby vegetable production, value chain integration, and pest management. Facilitated by technical experts from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Horticulture Department and NAMBOARD, the workshop emphasized capacity building to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. The project aligns with the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme and the FAO Strategic Framework 2021–31, which focuses on sustainable agrifood systems, climate resilience, and inclusive rural development.

At its core, this initiative aligns with FAO’s commitment to the achievement of the 4 Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, leaving no one is left behind. By enhancing the technical, entrepreneurial, and adaptive skills of young farmers, the project not only builds resilience but also fosters economic empowerment. Smallholder farmers, including youth groups such as Manga Manga Cooperative, Khanyakudze Youth Group, and Have Life - Save Life Youth Group, have been introduced to innovative techniques in protected cultivation and value chain optimization. These techniques aim to minimize the use of chemical inputs, reduce food loss and waste, and enhance productivity and income generation.

Vusi Mavuso, an Agriculture Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Horticulture Department, underscored the significance of this initiative in scaling up production for the export market. He emphasized that the project exemplifies the government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through capacity building and climate-smart agricultural practices. Mavuso highlighted that the provision of 0.2 hectares of protected agriculture infrastructure shields farmers from climate shocks, enabling them to achieve greater productivity and economic resilience. He further emphasized the crucial role of NAMBOARD, which provides hands-on support to farmers through subsidy programs and market integration schemes.

The OCOP initiative, a component of FAO’s Global Action on Green Development of Special Agricultural Products, is a five-year program (2021–25) that promotes agricultural products with unique qualities. These products contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems, making them more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. In Eswatini, baby vegetables have been identified as a specialized agricultural product under this initiative, recognizing their potential to enhance food security, improve nutrition, and stimulate economic growth.

Through a participatory and farmer-centered approach, the OCOP project develops value chains that prioritize sustainable practices. By optimizing production processes, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing market access, the initiative aligns with FAO’s mandate to promote climate resilience and inclusive rural development.

In the future, FAO and its partners will continue to support smallholder farmers in Eswatini through training programs, technical assistance, and the provision of shade net infrastructure. This collaborative effort emphasizes FAO’s role in empowering youth and promoting sustainable development.