Africa-Press – Eswatini. Former Minister of Agriculture Clement Dlamini has described King Mswati III as a leader deeply committed to ensuring food sovereignty and reliable food supply for the people of Eswatini.
Dlamini said the King has consistently prioritised agriculture and food production throughout his 40 years on the throne since his enthronement in 1986. According to the former minister, ensuring that emaSwati have access to food at all times has remained one of the King’s key national priorities.
He explained that during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture from 2008 to 2013, the King regularly engaged ministers during Tuesday meetings to assess progress on national development programmes, including agricultural production and food security initiatives.
Agriculture Seen as National Priority
Dlamini said the King repeatedly stressed the importance of food availability, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that the country is able to feed itself sustainably.
He noted that the emphasis on agriculture was not only about production, but also about strengthening livelihoods, creating employment opportunities, and reducing dependence on imported food.
According to the former minister, the King’s consistent guidance helped keep agriculture at the centre of the national development agenda.
Major Projects Strengthened Food Production
Dlamini highlighted several major developments in the agricultural sector that took place under the King’s leadership.
Among these was the Lubovane Dam, which has played an important role in supporting irrigation farming and expanding agricultural production in the Lowveld.
The former Kukhanyeni Inkhundla Member of Parliament said the project helped unlock land for commercial farming while also creating opportunities for smallholder farmers to participate in modern agriculture.
The former minister also referred to various agricultural support funds, including the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund, which were established to assist farmers and stimulate production.
Push for Food Sovereignty
Dlamini said the King’s vision has always been for Eswatini to achieve food sovereignty, where the country can produce sufficient food for its population and reduce vulnerability to external supply disruptions.
The former Land Management Board (LMB) Chairman added that this vision remains relevant as nations across the world continue to face challenges such as climate change, rising food prices, and supply chain disruptions.
Strengthening local production, he said, is essential for national resilience and long-term economic stability.
Legacy of Agricultural Development
The former minister concluded that many of the gains seen in the agricultural sector over the years were the result of sustained leadership and a clear commitment to rural development.
He said the King’s focus on agriculture has helped improve infrastructure, increase farming opportunities, and keep food security high on the national agenda.
As Eswatini marks four decades of His Majesty’s reign, Dlamini said the continued pursuit of food security remains one of the enduring pillars of the King’s development legacy.
Source: Eswatini Positive News – News Website
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