Africa-Press – Eswatini. What was once a deep scar across the land has become a symbol of renewal and resilience for the Ekukhanyeni community.
Thanks to the Ekukhanyeni Natural Regeneration Programme, a heavily eroded donga that threatened farmland, roads, and livelihoods has been successfully rehabilitated—bringing both ecological and social transformation to the area.
The 12-month project, supported by a grant from the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) under UNDP Eswatini, was led by World Vision Eswatini in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Covering nearly two hectares, the donga had once destroyed fertile land and posed serious risks to both people and animals. But through a combination of science and community action, it is now on a path to recovery.
“Soil conservation techniques like reshaping the slopes, installing check dams, and building gully plugs have already stabilized much of the land,” explained Colani Mkhabela, a Soil and Water Conservation Engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Next, the team plans to introduce gabion cages filled with stones to prevent erosion and regulate water flow. These measures will pave the way for the planting of vetiver grass and fruit trees, according to Nolwazi Dlamini-Zwane, Communications and Campaign Manager at World Vision Eswatini. The area will also be fenced to protect the young vegetation from grazing livestock.
Beyond the physical transformation, the project has empowered the community—especially its youth. Two young people now serve on the eight-member Donga Rehabilitation Committee and have received training in environmental law, disaster preparedness, and sustainable land management. They’re also being guided on how to access conservation funding through the Eswatini Environment Fund.
With the involvement of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the community is developing localized disaster preparedness plans to ensure future resilience.
What began as a desperate effort to stop land degradation has blossomed into a model of environmental stewardship, community cooperation, and youth-led sustainability—proof that with care and commitment, even the most damaged landscapes can flourish once more.
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