Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Agriculture officially commissioned the National Market Assessment Exercise on Thursday, 13 November 2025, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s agricultural markets, improving food security, and empowering local producers.
The event took place at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Representing Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka, Under Secretary Vincent Dlamini said the exercise, conducted every five years, is critical in understanding the country’s market dynamics. “We are gathered here today to inform Emaswati that the Ministry of Agriculture is conducting the National Market Assessment Exercise from 13th to 27th November 2025. This is a vital step in ensuring that our agricultural policies are guided by credible, up-to-date data,” he said.
The assessment will collect comprehensive data on the prices, availability, and movement of both food and non-food items across the country. According to Dlamini, the exercise will help the government make evidence-based decisions to promote food sovereignty, stabilize prices, and ensure fair market access for producers, traders, and consumers alike.
“This initiative will enable us to respond more effectively to economic shocks, climate impacts, and supply chain disruptions that affect the livelihoods of our people,” he added.
The exercise is a collaborative effort involving several partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Red Cross Eswatini, World Vision, and other government ministries. “Their technical and financial support reflects a strong spirit of collaboration in addressing national priorities and ensuring that no Liswati is left behind,” said Dlamini.
Agriculture experts highlighted the importance of the exercise to Eswatini’s food systems. “Our markets are the lifeblood of the agricultural economy, where farmers meet buyers, and where food reaches the tables of Emaswati. Understanding how our markets function allows the Ministry to improve value chains, stabilise prices, and empower local producers to compete effectively,” he said.
The public is urged to cooperate with data collection teams. Dlamini reassured participants that the exercise is not an inspection or audit, but a national effort to strengthen markets for everyone’s benefit.
The findings of the assessment will guide targeted market support interventions, strengthen early warning systems for food security, inform price monitoring, and support smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. Ultimately, it aims to create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural economy.
Dlamini expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved. “I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all our partners and field officers implementing this important work. Your dedication ensures that the Ministry of Agriculture continues to base its policies on credible data and sound analysis. Let us work together, government, partners, private sector, and Emaswati to build stronger, fairer, and more transparent markets for Eswatini,” he said, officially commissioning the exercise.
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