Africa-Press – Eswatini. The alarming reduction of grazing land across Eswatini has raised serious concerns within the Ministry of Agriculture, prompting the ministry to take urgent steps to address the growing problem.
As livestock farming continues to play a critical role in rural livelihoods and food security, the shrinking availability of pastureland is threatening both economic and environmental stability. In response, the Ministry recently convened a high-level stakeholder meeting aimed at tackling a range of pressing land use issues currently affecting both Swazi Nation Land and government-owned farms.
The meeting brought together agricultural experts, local authorities, traditional leaders, and environmental agencies to brainstorm solutions and propose immediate interventions.
Key challenges highlighted during the meeting included:
• Widespread trespassing, especially on restricted agricultural land and protected grazing zones.
• Invasion of government farms, where illegal settlers have begun occupying land earmarked for agricultural research and production.
• The steady reduction of grazing land, which is leading to overgrazing, soil degradation, and livestock malnutrition.
• Unplanned development, including the construction of homesteads and businesses without proper land allocation or environmental consideration.
• Settlements in high-risk and unsuitable areas such as road reserves, flood plains, wetlands, and land surrounding the Lubovane Dam, which is crucial for irrigation and water storage.
These issues are exacerbated by the fact that the National Land Policy and Land Bill are still under development, leaving a regulatory gap that many are exploiting.
The Ministry emphasized the urgency of collaborative action to safeguard the country’s natural resources. Stakeholders proposed several practical measures, including the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms, increased community awareness campaigns on proper land use, and the acceleration of the land policy finalization process.
Officials noted the growing need for coordinated planning between traditional authorities, local government, and national ministries. If left unchecked, these land use issues could affect agricultural productivity and escalate into long-term environmental and social challenges.
The Ministry pledged to host follow-up meetings and work closely with communities to ensure sustainable land management and protect grazing areas vital to Eswatini’s agricultural economy.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
