Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini’s livestock sector has received a major boost following the official handover of hay-making equipment valued at over E3.1 million, a donation from the European Union under the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project.
The ceremony, held at the Mpisi Cattle Breeding Station on Monday, was attended by senior government officials, development partners, farmers, and members of both Houses of Parliament.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka described the occasion as a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to build resilience in the livestock industry.
He told guests that the donation, consisting of four round balers, four mowers, four hay rakes, and four hay loaders, would play a critical role in mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing livestock mortality during dry seasons.
“The capacity to provide sufficient hay bales in the country is currently very low. Farmers suffered huge livestock losses last year due to delayed rains, and with South Africa battling Foot and Mouth Disease, we couldn’t even import hay,” Tshawuka was quoted as saying.
He expressed confidence that the equipment would allow for improved local production, especially for both government farms and communal farmers.
According to the Minister, the equipment would be strategically deployed to pilot sites in Zinyane, Luhlekweni, and Mahlangatsha Chiefdoms and would also support the broader Hay and Fodder Conservation Programme.
He cautioned against veld fires, saying such destruction could render the equipment ineffective if grazing lands were not protected in time.
“Let us be cautious with the use of fire, especially during times when we need the grazing land for hay production. This equipment will be useless if we allow veld fires to ravage the grass before we can bale it,” he said.
EU Head of Cooperation, Eva Maria Engdahl, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in the Kingdom.
She said the equipment donation was part of a broader strategy to empower farmers, strengthen food security, and build resilience to climate change.
Minister Tshawuka outlined several successes already achieved under the project, including capacity building in artificial insemination, gender inclusiveness, GIS and remote sensing training for range officers, and the training of leather crafters and extension officers.
He also announced plans to establish an Artificial Insemination Centre at Mpisi before the end of the year and the development of a National Livestock Breeding Policy expected to be completed by June 2025.
The Minister further praised the role of the EU in preventing the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease into the Shiselweni Region, noting that the provision of protective gear, surveillance equipment, and fencing materials had helped avert what could have been a national disaster.
“This intervention was vital. With the outbreak in Pongola, South Africa, so close to our borders, the risk was high, but thanks to the support we received, Eswatini managed to stay protected,” he said.
Livestock farmers present at the event welcomed the development with enthusiasm, with many saying they were ready to work closely with the Ministry to ensure proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
The Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and funded by the EU. It focuses on improving animal health, nutrition, genetics, and market access, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and youth in agriculture.
Tshawuka concluded his remarks by urging farmers to take full ownership of the project and treat the new machinery as a shared national asset that could transform the livestock sector for generations to come.
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