Interventions to support crop production recovery from the impacts of the el Niño-induced drought in Swaziland

An El Niño-induced drought in 2015/16 has seriously affected food and nutrition security and water availability across Swaziland. The drought has pushed the number of people in need of food assistance to an estimated 325 000, which accounts for about 25 percent of the total population; while a further 260 000 households are severely affected. Recognizing the gravity and urgency of the situation, the Government of Swaziland declared a national drought emergency on 18 February 2016 and together with partners launched a response plan – the National Emergency Response, Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (NERMAP). The NERMAP focuses on immediate response to save lives and productive assets, as well as recovery and resilience building interventions. The project aimed to provide livelihood and life-saving support to vulnerable smallholder farmers depending on crops by restoring their production capacity of the staple cereal and legume crops. The project trained households in post-harvest handling of cereal and legume crops and in the construction of improved grain storage facilities.

Read more