Ezulwini, Eswatini — On Saturday,14 September 2024, at the bustling Ezulwini Farmers Market, Agribusiness Media had the opportunity to catch up with Yolanda Bhembe, the Communications and Advocacy Officer for PELUM (Participatory Ecological Land Use Management) Swaziland. In a dynamic and informative reel, Yolanda shared insights into the impactful work PELUM Swaziland is doing to promote sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and local empowerment across the country.

Championing Sustainable Agriculture Practices

PELUM Swaziland is part of a wider regional network of over 250 civil society organizations in East, Central, and Southern Africa working collectively to promote ecological land use management and sustainable agriculture. Established with the mission to empower small-scale farmers, PELUM Swaziland focuses on practices that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable, ensuring that farming remains a sustainable livelihood for many rural communities.

Key Focus Areas

The NGO's work in Eswatini revolves around several key areas that are vital to building a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector:

1. Agroecology and Sustainable Farming: PELUM Swaziland advocates for agroecology, a holistic approach to farming that integrates sustainable farming practices, such as crop diversification, organic farming, and soil health management. This approach reduces the reliance on chemical inputs, enhances biodiversity, and improves the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change.
2. Farmer Training and Capacity Building: Through workshops, field visits, and farmer exchange programs, PELUM Swaziland provides training to small-scale farmers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement sustainable farming practices. These initiatives are designed to build the capacity of local farmers to improve productivity while conserving the environment.
3. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: A significant part of PELUM Swaziland's work involves engaging with policymakers to influence agricultural and environmental policies that support small-scale farmers and promote sustainable practices. Yolanda Bhembe emphasized the importance of creating an enabling policy environment that protects the interests of local farmers and encourages sustainable land use.
4. Promoting Seed Sovereignty and Indigenous Knowledge: PELUM Swaziland works to preserve indigenous seed varieties and traditional farming knowledge, which are crucial for food sovereignty and biodiversity conservation. They actively engage communities in seed fairs and participatory plant breeding, ensuring that local knowledge is respected and integrated into modern agricultural practices.

Impact on Local Communities

PELUM Swaziland's efforts have made a significant impact on local communities throughout Eswatini. By promoting sustainable farming practices, they have helped many farmers reduce costs associated with chemical inputs and improve their yields through more resilient agricultural systems. The focus on agroecology has not only enhanced food security but also empowered communities to become self-reliant and sustainable.

In addition, their advocacy work has raised awareness among government stakeholders and the public about the importance of sustainable land management, leading to more inclusive and supportive agricultural policies. PELUM's initiatives also emphasize the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, encouraging the next generation to see farming as a viable and sustainable career path.

Building Partnerships and Collaborations

To achieve its mission, PELUM Swaziland collaborates with various stakeholders, including local NGOs, community-based organizations, government agencies, and international partners. These collaborations are crucial in scaling up sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring that the benefits reach even the most remote and marginalized communities.

Looking Forward

As PELUM Swaziland continues its journey, it remains committed to empowering local communities through sustainable agriculture, advocating for policies that support ecological farming, and preserving the rich agricultural heritage of Eswatini. The presence at the Ezulwini Farmers Market was a testament to the NGO's grassroots approach, engaging directly with farmers, consumers, and the wider community to promote a shared vision of sustainable and ecological land use.

For more information about PELUM Swaziland and their programs, or to get involved, you can visit their social media pages or contact their offices. Their efforts underscore the importance of sustainable agriculture not just as a farming practice, but as a way of life that ensures food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience for the people of Eswatini.