In Eswatini, youth and women farmers are transforming smallholder agriculture with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP/ESW/3903). The initiative is helping young farmers move from subsistence to commercial production, strengthen resilience against climate shocks, and access new markets through innovative agricultural practices.
In collaboration with the Government of Eswatini and the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard), FAO is promoting protected agriculture technologies, including shade nets and greenhouses. These measures safeguard crops from harsh weather, reduce losses, and enable year-round production. This approach aligns with FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) framework, which emphasizes sustainable production and value chain development for strategic crops.
Youth and women-led cooperatives have received training in modern horticultural techniques, marketing, and quality standards. Many of these cooperatives have joined NAMBoard’s commercial supply chains, supplying high-quality produce such as peppers and lettuce to supermarkets and export markets. In Nkhaba, Hhohho region, youth-led cooperatives have leveraged protected agriculture to maintain production during dry spells, reducing vulnerability to drought and increasing income stability.
The project also strengthens extension services through NAMBoard, providing continuous technical support to smallholders. As a result, farmers have seen enhanced food security, higher household incomes, and a renewed perception of agriculture as a dignified and profitable profession for young people.
FAO’s support in Eswatini contributes to the country’s broader goals under Agenda 2030 and Vision 2022, particularly toward achieving SDG 2 – Zero Hunger. By combining climate-smart production with improved market access, the initiative is fostering resilience and economic opportunity for rural communities, turning partnerships into tangible progress.
