The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has announced the repurposing of the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard), signaling a major shift in the government’s approach to agricultural marketing and support systems.
The Minister was speaking at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo during the prize-giving ceremony of the 17th edition of the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition, which attracted a record 251 entrants.
The Minister added that access to good markets still needs to be improved, and that the government is repurposing NAMBoard to go back to their original mandate, which is developing effective markets for the produce of EmaSwati and growing the horticulture industry in the country.
“The days when NAMBoard would contract farmers to produce something and then take only a small part of the produce and leave the rest in the field are over. Now their brief is to hold the farmer’s hand in production and take responsibility for the output, such that if the quality is below standard, it is not only the farmer’s fault but both parties’, hence a break-even price should be negotiated for the so-called sub-standard produce. This will allow the farmer to service their loans and go back to the field,” he said
To expand Eswatini’s export footprint, Tshawuka also revealed plans for a cold storage and distribution center at King Mswati III International Airport.
“The construction of a cold storage and ultimately distribution center at KMIII will also facilitate access to overseas markets by using air freight instead of ships for our exports. This will cut the delivery time and ensure produce is delivered fresh in the international markets, improving their competitiveness,” he said.
The 2025 edition of the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition saw 20 winners emerge across both adult and youth categories, receiving prizes ranging from cash to farming inputs and other resources designed to boost their agribusiness ventures.
The overall winner in the Adult Category was Nokuthula Matsebula, who took home prizes valued at E142,300. In the Youth Category, the top honor went to Nokwanda Masina, who walked away with prizes worth E52,605. The competition also recognised 20 finalists from both categories.
Since its inception in 2007, the competition has been instrumental in equipping women and young people with essential skills and resources to thrive in agriculture. Minister Tshawuka praised the resilience and contribution of women to the sector, citing historical and cultural significance.
“Women have always played a central role in farming—even when men were away in the mines or out hunting. That’s probably why we have the saying ‘phezu komkhono’,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that barriers such as access to land, water, and equipment still persist.
“Access to land, water, and equipment remains a significant barrier to entry for women in commercial farming. This is compounded by stereotypes and sometimes patriarchy. I am happy to say, as a Ministry we are making significant progress towards leveling the playing ground and achieving gender equity,” he said.