Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a beautiful display of “boots-on-the-ground” leadership that celebrates the spirit of Eswatini’s hardworking rural communities, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) executive team, led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Samson Sithole, recently swapped their offices for the fertile fields of the Highveld and Shiselweni regions.
The high-level delegation undertook a strategic and heart-centered visit to the Sigangeni, Sicunusa, and Gege clusters to engage directly with the Hamba Ubuye farmers. This wasn’t just a site visit; it was a powerful affirmation of EWADE’s commitment to making a real difference in the lives of Emaswati by strengthening farmer support systems and boosting local productivity.
The atmosphere in the clusters was one of hope and progress as the executive team walked the plots alongside local producers. This visit moves beyond mere planning, showing that EWADE is listening to the heartbeat of the nation’s food security—the smallholder farmers who are the true heroes of our economy.
“This engagement underscores our ongoing commitment to strengthening farmer support systems, enhancing productivity, and advancing inclusive and sustainable rural development,” the executive team noted with pride. The initiative is a cornerstone of EWADE’s mission to transform small-scale farming into a thriving engine of national economic growth and rural stability.
A major highlight of the visit was witnessing the incredible impact of the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund. This flagship initiative is a success story in the making, designed to slash Eswatini’s reliance on imported grain. The growth is nothing short of inspiring: from supporting only 17 farmers at its launch in 2021, the programme now empowers 248 farmers who are successfully cultivating over 861 hectares.
The fund is a champion for inclusivity, putting women and youth at the forefront of the agricultural revolution. In the clusters visited, the energy was palpable as farmers are now diversifying into agro-processing, creating nutritious juices from their own locally grown fruits and vegetables—adding value, health, and extra income to the community.
Dr. Sithole emphasized that these visits are vital to ensure every drop of water and every seed sown aligns with the country’s national vision. EWADE has set its sights on a bright future, with an ambitious target to expand maize cultivation to 10,000 hectares by the 2025/26 season, aiming for a massive 30 000 metric tonnes of production to ensure Eswatini can feed itself.
By delivering top-tier agricultural engineering, smart water management, and hands-on coaching, EWADE is ensuring that rural plots in Sigangeni and Gege aren’t just for survival, but are profitable, commercial powerhouses that can sustain families for generations.
The visit concluded with big smiles and a renewed pledge from EWADE leadership to keep providing the “technical muscle” needed for rural success. The Hamba Ubuye farmers expressed deep gratitude, noting that seeing their leaders in the fields provides the encouragement needed to keep pushing Eswatini toward total economic transformation.
As EWADE continues to make a difference, it remains clear: when we empower the people who till our soil, we grow a stronger, more resilient, and more positive Eswatini for everyone!
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