Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Ministry of Agriculture has received five new vehicles worth E3 573 775 to strengthen extension services under the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project, supported by the European Union (EU). The vehicles were officially handed over , at the Manzini Veterinary Station.
The event was graced by Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka and the EU Ambassador to Eswatini, among other stakeholders from government, the International Trade Centre (ITC), and farmer organizations.
Minister Tshawuka said the vehicles, Isuzu 4X4 double cabs, will help improve the delivery of livestock services, particularly to rural farmers. “These cars will ensure that extension officers reach even the most remote areas to provide technical assistance, ultimately improving productivity and farmer livelihoods,” he said.
The Minister noted that this E3.5 million investment is just one part of the broader Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project. The project is designed to tackle challenges in animal health, nutrition, genetics, and market access. “With support from the EU and ITC, we are reinforcing our farmers’ capabilities to manage resources and grow their enterprises,” he added.
The EU Ambassador reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to agriculture-led development in Eswatini, citing the EU’s ongoing support in combating Foot and Mouth Disease and its contribution of over E3.1 million in hay baling equipment earlier this year. “The five vehicles we are handing over today represent not just transport, but impact,” she said. “They are tools to drive service delivery, coordination, and visibility for livestock development initiatives.”
So far, the hay baling equipment procured through the same project has produced 690 bales, valued at E276 000, helping farmers maintain livestock during the dry season. The project has also supported local artisans through the provision of leather production tools worth E127 771 which were used to train 27 crafters in leather goods manufacturing.
The EU emphasized that livestock remains a key economic driver for Eswatini, especially due to the country’s status as an approved beef exporter to European markets under the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement. The vehicles will support government efforts to respond to disease outbreaks and enhance service delivery in the livestock value chain.
Minister Tshawuka closed by urging users of the new vehicles to take good care of them, saying, “Let us use these assets responsibly to achieve our shared vision of a productive, inclusive, and resilient livestock sector.”
The Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture, the European Union, and the International Trade Centre.
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