By Phiwa Sikhondze
In a significant move to bolster the agricultural sector, the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has officially launched the Livestock Value Chain Development Project LVCDP.
This ambitious initiative, valued at over E183 million, aims to enhance the beef and goat value chains in Eswatini, with substantial support from the European Union. The Ministry in collaboration with the International Trade Centre, will spearhead its implementation.
This initiative is set to empower communities in the Lubombo Region, providing vital education on commercial cattle and goat farming. The program’s primary objective is to enable these communities to harness the livestock value chain for sustainable livelihoods.
The project’s educational components will cover best practices in animal husbandry, disease management, nutrition, and marketing strategies. By equipping farmers with this knowledge, the project aims to increase productivity and profitability in the livestock sector, ensuring long-term economic benefits for local farmers.
The LVCDP is structured around several key objectives and deliverables to transform Eswatini’s livestock sector. A central component is the establishment of a Breeding and Artificial Insemination Centre, aimed at improving the genetic quality of cattle and goats for higher productivity and better disease resistance.
Artificial insemination techniques will facilitate controlled and efficient breeding, enhancing livestock quality over time.
Additionally, the project will develop a Livestock Feeds Analysis and Laboratory to ensure that feeds meet nutritional standards, aiding farmers in optimizing their feeding practices.
This facility will also conduct research to create high-quality, cost-effective feeds from local resources. To support farmers in marketing their products more effectively, a comprehensive marketing system will be established, connecting them with local and international markets. This system will be complemented by improved access to financial services, including loans and insurance, enabling farmers to scale their operations.
The project also focuses on fostering value addition and promoting hay and fodder production for sale. Introducing value-addition processes will increase the market value of livestock products, such as meat and dairy while promoting hay and fodder production will provide farmers with an additional revenue stream and a steady supply of feed for livestock.
Furthermore, the project will support the provision of high-quality breeding stock, feedlot feeder stock, slaughter cattle, and goat production. Infrastructure development for slaughtering and processing will ensure that livestock products meet export standards, opening up lucrative markets for Eswatini’s farmers.
Tshawuka acknowledged the EU’s vital role, stating, “The European Union has prioritized the agriculture sector in this country, particularly commercial livestock production. This aligns with the government’s direction and the Ministry’s strategic intent, significantly contributing to curbing unemployment, creating wealth, and driving economic growth.”
He further emphasized the vast potential for growth in goat production, highlighting opportunities in lucrative markets in the Middle East, Asia, the EU, and Norway. Eswatini’s status as being free from Foot and Mouth Disease positions it advantageously in the global export market.
The LVCDP is expected to have a significant economic and social impact in Eswatini. By improving livestock quality and farming practices, the project aims to increase the income levels of local farmers, thereby enhancing their quality of life. The introduction of value-addition processes will not only increase the market value of livestock products but also create new employment opportunities.