Bamboo Dreams: The Struggles and Hopes of Mafutseni’s Women Farmers

BY SBU MNGADI

In 2018, a group of 30 determined rural women (a few men) from three chiefdoms under Mafutseni Inkhundla came together with one goal in mind: to grow bamboo for commercial purposes. With support from the Eswatini Environment Fund under the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), and other development partners, they secured and erected fencing on 5 hectares of land, thanks to the KaBhudla and Khamatfo Chiefdoms. Their excitement grew as they planted 600 Bambusa balcooa seedlings, a bamboo species highly valued for its strength, with potential for construction, furniture making, and scaffolding.

However, fast forward to 2024, and the picture has changed dramatically. That once vibrant group of 30 women has shrunk to less than 10, as fatigue, frustration, and confusion cloud their vision of success. Despite their initial efforts, the bamboo is now ready for harvest, but the women find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to turn their hard-earned labour into financial reward.

For six years, the women have battled the elements and the limitations of their resources. “If you could see our heads, you'd be shocked. We’re balding from carrying 20-litre containers of water every day,” says Dumsile Dlamini, chairperson of the Bhudla-Khamatfo Bamboo Association. “Each plant needs 20 litres of water daily, and it’s exhausting because the dam isn’t even close.”

Though UNICEF installed a borehole in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the women still have to use buckets to water their bamboo. “Even this borehole hasn’t helped because we still have to carry the water by hand,” Dumsile adds, her voice tinged with weariness.

Despite their best efforts, the bamboo now stands surrounded by weeds, a stark reminder of the challenges they face in maintaining a long-term investment. "When we started, we didn't realize it would take this long to harvest, and we've lost both interest and members," Dumsile admits. As I speak to the remaining women, it becomes evident that another layer of difficulty lies beneath the surface—conflict among the group members. Despite visits from the World Food Programme, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local leaders, internal disagreements persist, especially about what the group should prioritize next.

Some members suggest that their next step should be to install a processing plant to manufacture bamboo products such as toothbrushes, desk pads, and calculators. However, they admit that they have no clear understanding of what equipment they would need or how much it would cost. Others argue that the pressing issue is water. They propose converting the manual borehole into a solar-powered one that could support a drip irrigation system for the bamboo and introduce intercropping with vegetables. "There’s so much potential here," says one hopeful member, "If only we had proper irrigation, this place would be buzzing with activity."

Bamboo’s Economic and Environmental Potential in Eswatini

The story of the Bhudla-Khamatfo women is not isolated. The challenges they face echo across Eswatini, where bamboo has shown great promise but has yet to fully flourish as an economic driver. According to a recent report on bamboo farming in Eswatini, bamboo is recognized as a versatile, non-timber forest product with wide-ranging uses. It is seen as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional timber, offering solutions for industries such as construction, furniture making, fuel production, and agroforestry. Importantly, bamboo is being touted as a means to combat deforestation and land degradation, critical environmental concerns in Eswatini.

Bamboo’s versatility extends far beyond domestic uses. Globally, bamboo products such as mats, furniture, and paper pulp have entered lucrative markets, and Eswatini is no exception. The country saw over SZL 5.2 million in bamboo exports in 2019, with most exports going to South Africa. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted trade, leading to a significant decline in exports in the following years. Despite this, the potential remains, with other African countries like Rwanda and Tanzania successfully integrating bamboo into their economies.

What makes bamboo particularly attractive is its environmental impact. Bamboo grows quickly, requires fewer resources than traditional trees, and can help rehabilitate degraded lands. For a country like Eswatini, which faces deforestation and biodiversity loss, bamboo farming could offer a sustainable alternative that balances environmental needs with economic growth. However, as the Bhudla-Khamatfo women’s story demonstrates, realizing this potential is not without its challenges.

A Need for Infrastructure and Capacity Building

The report also highlights that while bamboo has enormous potential, there are gaps that need to be addressed. One of the most significant is the lack of processing facilities and expertise in Eswatini. Without the infrastructure to process raw bamboo into marketable products, the value chain remains incomplete, leaving farmers like the Bhudla-Khamatfo women unsure of their next steps.

“There’s a need for more investment in local processing plants,” says Bonsile Dlamini, Communications Editor at the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry is currently negotiating partnerships with organizations such as the Correctional Services and St. Joseph’s School in Manzini, which already have some bamboo processing capabilities. “We’re working to ensure that these women don’t lose out on the opportunities that bamboo farming can offer,” Bonsile explains.

But while the Ministry works on these partnerships, the women remain at an impasse. Some members are focused on resolving the water issue by investing in a solar-powered borehole and drip irrigation system, while others dream of a fully-fledged processing plant. Both approaches offer promise, but without unity, it’s hard to move forward.

The Road Ahead

The Bhudla-Khamatfo Bamboo Association is a story of resilience and dedication. These women have poured years of hard work into their bamboo farm, battling not only the physical demands of the land but also the uncertainties of a long-term investment. Their struggles mirror the larger challenges facing bamboo farming in Eswatini—a sector filled with potential but hampered by a lack of infrastructure, technical expertise, and unified vision.

Bamboo offers enormous economic and environmental benefits, as shown by successful projects in South Africa and Rwanda. But for Eswatini to fully capitalize on this green gold, investments in local capacity, processing industries, and innovative irrigation solutions are crucial. With the right support, the women of Bhudla-Khamatfo could become pioneers in a thriving bamboo industry that benefits both their community and the nation as a whole.

As they wait for these developments, one thing remains clear: their dedication to this project is unwavering. And with continued support from the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, their dream of turning bamboo into a sustainable livelihood might yet come to fruition.