Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) has called on farmers to embrace sustainable practices and stop abusing the environment, warning that nature, though silent, always responds to mistreatment.
Speaking during the Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF) held at Mountain View today, 29 July 2025 , EEA representative Melusi Mbuli said the environment may not have a mouth to speak, “but it can revenge when treated badly.”
Mbuli reminded participants that the EEA was established by law for two main purposes to protect human health and the environment. “This is why we exist,” he stated plainly. “If we maintain a clean environment, farmers will be able to produce better, and our economy will grow.”
Unsustainable Practices Hurting the Land
Mbuli highlighted harmful practices like littering, deforestation, and careless pesticide use as examples of how farmers unknowingly or knowingly harm the ecosystem. “People drop plastic, use harmful chemicals, farm in wetlands and then we wonder where cancer is coming from. This is not just about the soil, it’s about our health,” he said.
He also noted a growing problem with non compliance among farmers. “Some people assume they can get away with cutting down trees or farming in protected areas because no one from EEA has seen them. But that is how we drive climate change.” He urged farmers “If you are unsure whether your methods are safe or legal, come to our offices. Do not wait to be caught, ask first.”
Wetlands Under Threat
Mbuli issued a strong warning about the misuse of wetlands , calling them, the heart of rivers and key to protecting Eswatini’s water supply. Referencing a message from the Prime Minister, which was informed by a visit to Zimbabwe, he said “We were reminded that protecting wetlands is not optional. It is survival.”
He called on local chiefs to collaborate with the EEA to stop the illegal use of these areas. “Sometimes people farm or build in wetlands and say they were authorised by the chief. That creates conflict. We need unity in protecting both lives and nature.”
Support Available: Eswatini Environment Fund
Mbuli also informed farmers about the Eswatini Environment Fund, which supports small scale environmental projects. “It is not a large fund, but it can help if your project promotes environmental protection,” he said, urging farmers to take interest.
Accountability Still a Challenge
During the discussion, one farmer questioned why Eswatini lacks strong penalties for public littering, comparing it to Singapore, where people face heavy fines. Mbuli responded, “We are trying, but the challenge is that we cannot be everywhere at once. Enforcement is hard when the public is not fully on board.”
He concluded by encouraging farmers to involve the EEA before launching any new agricultural or development project. “Even if it’s your land, ask us to come and assess whether it is safe for people and the environment. We are not here to stop you we are here to help you do things the right way.”
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
