Unleashing the potential of coffee in Eswatini: A catalyst for socio-economic development

Mbabane - The Deputy FAO Representative for Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho, Louis Muhigirwa, has wrapped up a two-week mission focusing on the promising coffee sector in Eswatini. His visit included a field exploration of coffee out-grower farms in Sigcaweni, aimed at identifying support avenues for smallholder farmers and understanding the myriad challenges they face. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is actively promoting the Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI) Action Plan, which addresses critical issues such as desertification, deforestation, and drought resilience.

This effort aligns with the FAO's Strategic Framework 2022-2031 which seeks to support the 2030 Agenda. The framework promotes the transformation of agrifood systems to ensure better production, improved nutrition, enhanced environmental conditions, and improved livelihoods - embodying the four betters: better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better life, leaving no one behind.

Eswatini is grappling with severe environmental degradation, desertification, and drought. A report from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification highlighted that in 2010, approximately 46,000 people were living on degrading agricultural land - a troubling 17 percent increase over the previous decade. This statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Empowering smallholder farmers

Patrick Du Point, a pioneering figure and Chairperson of Eswatini Coffee Association (ECA), is at the forefront of initiatives to empower coffee smallholder farmers across communities. Du Point shared insights into the coffee cultivation process, explaining that seedlings require around three months for growth. He also emphasized the importance of identifying anchor farmers within communities to serve as pilot projects for implementing sustainable farming practices.

One such pilot farmer is Sibongile Dlamini-Mathuntjwa from Sigcaweni, who is benefiting from the technical support provided by Du Point and ECA. Du Point advocates for integrating coffee farming with apiculture, suggesting that farmers could receive three to five beehives to enhance biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

“We are seeking financial support to accelerate our shared goals and enable smallholder farmers to thrive,” Du Point noted. The ECA recently organized a learning visit to Uganda, where they observed the successful sourcing of kilo roasters for local community use. Training programs have empowered members, particularly young women and youth, equipping them with essential skills in coffee production and processing. This focus on capacity building ensures that local communities see tangible benefits throughout the coffee value chain.

Sustainable farming and environmental protection

The coffee project began in January and is already making strides. The Mathuntjwa family in Sigcaweni manages 15 ha of land, which is earmarked for coffee production, the smallholder farmers in these community is facing significant irrigation challenges due to high costs associated with traditional methods. To address this, the team is exploring solar-driven irrigation systems to alleviate electricity expenses.

In an encouraging vision for the next five years, the coffee project aims to bolster food security across Eswatini. The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women with a focus on sustainability integral to its success.

Muhigirwa emphasized FAO's role in providing policy and technical advice to member countries regarding agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, and nutrition. He highlighted the necessity of building socio-economic resilience to support smallholder farmers and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Efforts are also underway to promote community initiatives that encourage diversification, such as planting mangoes, papayas, or baby marrows alongside coffee crops. This not only supports food security but also enhances overall farm resilience.

A collaborative approach to growth

The collaboration between  ECA and University of Eswatini (UNESWA) through an MoU is fostering further development in the sector. The association has established a nursery to assist with the distribution of seedlings, essential for cultivating a robust coffee ecosystem throughout the Lubombo region.

The Eswatini Coffee Association's initiatives showcase the potential of coffee cultivation not only as a source of income but also as a tool for socio-economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. By supporting smallholder farmers and fostering community engagement, these efforts could redefine the future of Eswatini’s agricultural landscape, ultimately contributing to a more stable and prosperous society. The journey towards revitalizing the coffee industry is just beginning, but with continued support and collaboration, a brighter, more sustainable future for Eswatini’s agricultural sector is on the horizon.