Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Woman Farmer Foundation announced the winners of the Woman Farmer of the Year competition at Rider’s Ranch, Sidvokodvo.
According to Sonia Paiva, Director of the Woman Farmer Foundation, this year’s competition saw an increased number of entrants, who totalled 285, while the number of young people increased from 38 participants in 2022 to 111 entrants. This year marked the 6th year since the awards were started by the Woman Farmer Foundation.
Gugu Shongwe, from Ndlandlameni, Lwandle under the Manzini Region, was crowned the overall winner, walking away with farming equipment worth E137 789. Shongwe is a vegetable farmer, who is also into goat production, indigenous chickens and rabbit farming.
Highlighted
She highlighted that this was her fourth time participating in the competition, in which, in the past, she came number eight, six and three. Shongwe was followed by Nokuthula Mkhabela, who scooped the second prize and walked away with farm inputs and equipment worth E58 984, while Zanele Mavimbela, who claimed third position, walked away with equipment worth E49 754. Meanwhile, a tertiary student, Makhosazana Mngomezulu, was crowned the Woman Farmer of the Year under the youth category, walking away with farming equipment worth E62 359.
Award
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Paiva said the country had a youthful population and the unemployment of the youth was currently at 58.2 per cent. She said this was a catastrophe and a responsibility for each and every one to close the gap. She said in her humble opinion, the development of the youth in precision agriculture and skills development should be at the forefront of discussions. “I look forward to agriculture being the largest employment creator in the country and proudly led by emaSwati,” said Paiva. She said the message they had as the Woman Farmer Foundation was ‘nothing is impossible’.
She added; “You have seen what the predecessors have achieved in the past 16 years, through total dedication and hard work.” She said these marvelous women and youth; top 10 best farmers, displayed an extraordinary ability to adapt to the many challenges faced by women and the youth in the agricultural sector. Paiva said they had demonstrated innovation and creativity in improving the productivity of their enterprises. The director appreciated all the sponsors and partners who made this year’s awards a success, despite the prevailing economic and climate change challenges.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
