The Eswatini Water and Agriculture Development Enterprise (EWADE) are partnering with the National Maize Corporation (NMC) in a E45 million project to cultivate maize in all high yield areas countrywide. This Commercial Maize Project (CMP) initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture seeks to create a domestic capacity to produce 30,000 metric tonnes of maize over 6,800 hectares of communal land in all four regions.
Key to success of this vision is promoting farmers’ confidence to encourage them to make maximum effort while knowing that in the event of disaster, their investment is covered by credible modern insurance mechanisms.
The project which is currently rolling out, envisages has secured the support of insurance companies to cover the range of agriculture risks to which farmers are exposed.
EWADE Corporate Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe says insurance is key to restoring Eswatini farmers’ confidence. “We want institutions that are more than just insurers; we want partners who recognize the importance of maize production to Eswatini’s food sovereignty. Crop insurance ensures that farmers are able to face unpredictable climate challenges with confidence, knowing their investment is protected.”
CMP Project Manager Robert Mabundza underscored the significance of this collaboration, noting that it represents an important step in securing the future of Eswatini’s maize production. “By partnering with us, insurers can help build a resilient agricultural sector that ensures food security for our people. Together, we can create a sustainable future for Eswatini’s farmers and bolster the nation’s economic stability,” he said.
Driving economic resilience
Mabundza says the CMP is a key component of Eswatini’s national strategy to increase grain maize output by clustering farmers on Eswatini Nation Land (ENL) to increase efficiencies and sustainability. Participating farmers receive crucial support through the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund, allowing them to boost productivity and contribute significantly to the country’s maize supply. “To ensure the long-term success of the project, insurers are required to offer coverage against a variety of risks, including heat waves, hailstorms, drought, excessive rainfall, pests, floods, fires, and even civil unrests.”
Beyond increasing maize production, the CMP is a crucial tool for strengthening the country’s economy by reducing reliance on imported maize. Mabundza explained that the project will help local farmers increase output, create jobs, and reduce poverty, all while ensuring a stable supply of maize for Eswatini’s population.
“This project isn’t just about growing maize—it’s about economic resilience,” he said. “By decreasing our dependence on imports, we’re boosting local production and ensuring Eswatini can weather potential disruptions, whether due to pandemics, political unrest, or supply chain challenges,” he said.
A partnership for progress
The success of the CMP hinges on the collaboration between EWADE and NMC. EWADE provides critical farming inputs through the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund, while NMC guarantees a stable market for farmers’ produce, ensuring they can focus on cultivation without the uncertainty of market conditions. The project, valued at E45 million seeks to ensure a consistent yield 30,000 metric tons of maize annually over 6,800 hectares of land.
Mabundza emphasized that the project is about more than agriculture, it’s about creating a resilient economy. “Reducing our reliance on imported maize is crucial, not only for food security but for our economic stability. By increasing domestic production, we’re securing the future of Eswatini’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Eligibility and participation
The CMP targets farmers across all four regions of Eswatini, with a focus on those cultivating a minimum of 5 hectares under communal land. To qualify, farmers must have at least three years of experience in commercial maize production. Priority is given to farmers in high rainfall areas, while those in regions with lower rainfall must have irrigation systems in place.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Agriculture for driving a strategy that facilitates a commercial production system that guarantees food sovereignty, job creation and economic development for Eswatini,” Mabundza concluded.
