Africa-Press – Eswatini. Lubombo Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Msibi says the Lubombo Region holds the key to Eswatini’s ambition of not only achieving food security but advancing towards food sovereignty.
Speaking to Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka during a cane growers’ event organised by Eswatini Sugar at Phumulamcashi, St Philip’s, under Siphofaneni Inkhundla, Msibi said Lubombo’s vast agricultural potential, infrastructure growth, and water projects positioned it to become the nation’s food production powerhouse.
Understanding Food Security and Food Sovereignty
• Food security is when all people, at all times, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and preferences for a healthy life.
• Food sovereignty, however, goes beyond availability. It empowers communities to define their own food systems — deciding what to grow, how to grow it, and how to distribute it — respecting local cultures, ecosystems, and ensuring control over seeds, land, and markets.
(Definitions adapted from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia – UN ESCWA, and Wikipedia)
Eswatini has declared its intention to pursue not only food security but also food sovereignty, ensuring local communities are active participants in shaping agricultural systems.
Lubombo’s Agricultural Initiatives
Lubombo, long known for sugar production through Ubombo Sugar and Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation, is now witnessing new projects with potential to transform it into a food sovereignty hub:
1. EWADE’s Youth and Smallholder Projects – The Eswatini Water & Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), through its Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP), is supporting Lubombo farmers with inputs, training, and market access. The Lowveld Farmers Training Centre continues to train youth and smallholders to move from subsistence to commercial farming.
(Source: EswatiniBiz.com)
2. Ndzevane Banana Project – Once arid, Ndzevane now thrives with irrigated banana plantations that improve local food supply and reduce import reliance.
(Source: Today.co.sz)
3. LUSIP II and Climate-Smart Irrigation Farms – The Lower Usutu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP II) supports year-round production through modern irrigation systems, enhancing yields and climate resilience.
(Source: Africa Press Arabic)
4. Regional Development Fund Support – Through the Regional Development Fund (RDF), His Majesty King Mswati III has distributed tractors, feedlots, and implements to Lubombo cooperatives, helping farmers improve production and access markets.
(Source: Africa Press Arabic)
Lubombo in Context: Development and Potential
Lubombo covers about 34% of Eswatini’s land, yet houses only 18.6% of its population — making it the largest but one of the least densely populated regions.
(Source: UNESCO Country Statistics)
Historically less developed than Manzini or Hhohho, Lubombo is now catching up through strategic investments:
• Infrastructure upgrades – The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a US$140 million loan for new road networks connecting Lubombo and Shiselweni, improving access to markets and reducing transport costs.
(Source: Africa Newsroom)
• Water and irrigation – Expanded dams and canals now support year-round agriculture, unlocking potential in previously dry zones.
(Source: Africa Press Arabic)
• Agricultural transformation – Projects like Ndzevane’s banana fields showcase how once-drought-prone land can become productive and profitable. Over 327 hectares are already producing with higher yields.
(Source: Today.co.sz)
From Food Security to Food Sovereignty
Lubombo’s rising agricultural capacity is shifting Eswatini from dependency on imported food toward self-reliance. Water infrastructure, crop diversification, and cooperative empowerment are returning control of production to communities.
To sustain this progress, key steps include expanding irrigation, diversifying crops, improving post-harvest handling, and continuing road and power development.
Conclusion
Once among Eswatini’s least developed regions, Lubombo is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s agricultural revival. With sustained investment and community participation, it stands ready to help Eswatini move beyond food security to true food sovereignty — where Emaswati control their own food systems and future.
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