BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – Government-aligned civil society organisation Parcitipatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Eswatini has advanced its regional advocacy efforts following a high-level engagement with the African Union (AU) aimed at improving agricultural development and sustainable food systems across the continent.
The meeting brought together PELUM Eswatini Country Coordinator Sandile Sihlongonyane and ACAT-Lilima Eswatini Executive Director Enock Dlamini, who formed part of a delegation led by the PELUM Regional Secretariat. The delegation met with African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), Moses Vilakati.
The engagement focused on identifying strategic areas of collaboration within the AU’s ARBE portfolio, with particular emphasis on accelerating the implementation of the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Discussions also aligned with the Commissioner’s 100-day action plan, which prioritises sustainable agricultural transformation and improved rural livelihoods.
According to PELUM Eswatini, the dialogue represents a critical step towards reinforcing partnerships between regional civil society organisations and continental policy-makers. By aligning grassroots initiatives with AU frameworks, stakeholders aim to enhance the effectiveness of agricultural programmes and ensure that smallholder farmers are better supported.
The organisation noted that leveraging PELUM Association’s presence in over 14 African countries positions it as a key player in driving food systems transformation. The collaboration seeks to promote agroecology, climate resilience and equitable access to resources, particularly for rural communities that remain vulnerable to environmental and economic shocks.
Furthermore, the engagement emphasised the importance of inclusive policy development, where civil society contributes to shaping strategies that directly impact local communities. PELUM Eswatini reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national and regional efforts that advance sustainability and food sovereignty.
As Africa continues to confront challenges related to food security and climate change, such partnerships are expected to play a pivotal role in building resilient agricultural systems that can sustain future generations.
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