The Ministry of Agriculture through the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services (DVLS), in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), have collaborated to improve beef and goat value chains through the implementation of artificial insemination.
This partnership is part of the four-year ‘Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP)’ supported by the EU alongside two other interconnected programmes namely; ‘Support for Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JC&CI)’ and ‘Support to the Implementation of the Southern African Development Community-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC-EU EPA).’
One of the key activities under this programme is the establishment of a cattle and goat breeding centre with a focus on introducing artificial insemination and breeding evaluation.
To ensure the success of this endeavor, the Ministry of Agriculture’s key Extension Officers and Veterinary Assistants are undergoing training in artificial insemination conducted by the Eswatini Dairy Board (EDB) which boasts extensive experience and adequate technical experience on artificial insemination in the context of Eswatini. The training equips the Extension Officers and Veterinary Assistants with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve breeding techniques and enhance the quality and marketability of livestock.
The Ministry of Agriculture’s Fattening Ranch Officer who is also the National Project Coordinator for the ELVCDP, Bongani Magagula, expressed his optimism about the impact of this programme on the country’s agricultural sector. “This initiative will revolutionize the beef and goat value chains in Eswatini and significantly contribute to the country’s GDP,” he stated.
Nsalitje Ranch Manager, Bongumusa Simelane, highlighted the importance of improving the breeds available in the country through this programme. “With the implementation of artificial insemination, we will be able to enhance the genetic diversity of our livestock and improve the overall resilience of our herds,” he commented.
He further highlighted the project’s potential to rapidly increase the country’s livestock population, particularly cattle, following the significant losses experienced during the El Nino-induced drought of 2015-16. “The project will enable us to produce high-quality breeds and calves that will contribute to our feedlots and abattoirs, as well as the export market such as the EU,” he added.
EU Programme Officer – Agriculture, Bhekani Magongo expressed confidence in the project’s ability to address existing weaknesses and gaps in the country’s livestock value chains. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to enhancing productivity, production, job creation, and income, particularly for smallholder farmers, women and the youth. “Our goal is to boost production, create employment opportunities, enhance market competitiveness, and improve the efficiency of small and medium producers,” he affirmed.
Through the joint efforts of the EU, ITC, and the Ministry of Agriculture, the future looks promising for the beef and goat value chains in Eswatini. This innovative approach to livestock breeding is set to transform the agricultural landscape and drive economic growth in the country.
The EU Delegation to Eswatini is responsible for managing diplomatic relations between the EU and the Kingdom of Eswatini. These relations cover political relations, development cooperation, economic and trade relations as well as other areas of mutual interest between the two partners. The central objective of this partnership is to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty through sustainable development, the progressive integration of Eswatini into the world economy, and the promotion of the rule of law, democracy, and human rights.
The International Trade Centre is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transitioning economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ITC-Alliances for Action programme ‘Eswatini: Promoting growth through competitive alliances’, funded by the EU, supports job creation for small farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans. Eswatini offers the global market unique organic produce, artisan roasted coffee, handmade cultural creations, and gourmet condiment lines.
ITC works closely with smallholder farmers, agro-processors, and artisans in Eswatini to support them in ways that are sustainable and benefit both people and the planet. In this way, ITC fosters and preserves cultural heritage, and draws on artisan skills and concepts of green growth.
Alliances for Action is an ITC initiative that seeks to transform food systems through producer partnerships that cultivate ethical, climate-smart, sustainable agricultural value chains.