Local bean production has received a much-needed boost.
This follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 9, 2025, between the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), and the National Maize Corporation (NMC), which aims to bolster local bean production significantly.
The project has already started, with a pilot phase on a 50-hectare plot at Paradise Farm in Shiselweni 1 Inkhundla. This initial phase has been allocated an investment of E630,715 from NDMA to support land preparation, inputs, and technical assistance.
The goal is to produce 60 metric tons of beans in its first season, a significant contribution to meeting the local demand.
According to NMC CEO, Mavela Vilane, there was a demand of about 7,000 metric tons of beans last year, but less than 400 metric tons were produced locally, highlighting the heavy reliance on imports for local consumption.
The MoU highlights the roles of each partner. NDMA’s financial contribution will be instrumental in the project’s establishment, while EWADE will provide overall project management and technical expertise.
NMC, on the other hand, has committed to purchasing all beans that meet the necessary quality standards, ensuring that farmers have a guaranteed market for their produce.
“Today, we are not just walking the land; we are walking through the future of Eswatini’s agriculture. This is not just a plot of land—it is a blueprint for food sovereignty, a symbol of what can be achieved through strategic unity,” Dr. Samson Sithole, CEO of EWADE, said.
NDMA’s involvement is part of its broader mandate to manage and mitigate risks related to food insecurity. NDMA CEO, Victor Mahlalela, noted that instead of depleting all resources in donating food for those in need, why not invest in producing it here and economically empower the nation.
According to Mahlalela, the Agency views food insecurity as a slow-moving disaster, and the bean production project as a strategic response.
“We’re helping grow food here, at home, rather than relying on imports,” Mahlalela stated. “This project is not only about addressing immediate food security needs but also about building long-term resilience in our agricultural sector. It’s part of a holistic approach to disaster mitigation.”
The partnership also intends to create opportunities for local farmers. The contribution has not only made the Paradise Farm project possible but also extended the programme to 54 farmers across all four regions of the country, covering 102 hectares with an expected yield of 122.4 metric tons.
With the bean crop at Paradise Farm already reaching early physiological maturity, the project is poised to deliver its first measurable success: an expected harvest of 60 metric tons valued at over E1.6 million.
“This initiative will contribute to the economic well-being of our farmers and help us reduce reliance on imports,” said Dr. Sithole. “It will also allow farmers to gain more knowledge and experience, ultimately benefiting Eswatini’s agricultural industry.”
Dr. Sithole emphasized that the project’s significance lies not just in numbers but in its potential to transform rural livelihoods. “This yield reflects more than just farming success. It is the outcome of dedication, the result of transparent collaboration, and a clear demonstration that we can achieve more when we work together.”