By: NOXOLO DLAMINI

MANZINI – Small-scale poultry farmers in Eswatini are missing out on a golden opportunity—and veteran poultry processor Oscar Mashwama says it’s time for them to wake up and take control of their industry.

Mashwama, founder of Temashinga Poultry Processors, is making a bold call for local farmers to unite, formalize their operations, and take ownership of the processing plant, ensuring a stable and profitable poultry value chain.

From Success to Struggle: The Rise and Fall of a Farmer-Led Poultry Plant

Temashinga Poultry Processors was once a thriving farmer-driven operation, initially supported by the American NGO Africa Works. Poultry farmers in LaMgabhi supplied quality chickens to the plant, creating a sustainable and profitable ecosystem.

But when the NGO pulled out, the dream crumbled. Farmers couldn’t sustain production, chicken quality dropped, supply became erratic, and the value chain collapsed.

Mashwama, who relied on these farmers, also felt the impact. As government agencies and big corporations delayed payments, his ability to sustain operations dwindled, forcing him to reduce production.

“The Poultry Plant Belongs to Farmers – They Must Take It Back”

Despite these challenges, Mashwama insists that small-scale farmers still have the power to revive the model—but only if they come together with formal agreements.

“This abattoir was built for farmers—it belongs to them. If they unite and organize themselves properly, they can take full control of the poultry value chain,” he says.

He warns that without cooperation and structured supply, small-scale poultry farmers will remain at the mercy of middlemen and big corporations, struggling to compete in the market.

A New Dawn? The International Market Awaits

Mashwama also revealed that an international poultry market is opening up for Eswatini farmers, but local producers must meet strict quality and supply requirements to seize this opportunity.

“If we can get farmers to work together, we can build a strong supply chain, access better markets, and create sustainable wealth for local farmers,” he added.

Time to Act: Will Farmers Step Up?

Temashinga Poultry Processors currently operates far below its full capacity, sometimes processing as few as 200 chickens per day, despite having the ability to handle 1,500 per day.

🚀 With the right leadership, commitment, and organization, small-scale poultry farmers can turn this struggling facility into a game-changer for Eswatini’s poultry industry.

📢 Full Interview Coming Soon!
🎥 Catch the full interview with Oscar Mashwama on Agribusiness Media’s YouTube Channel on 3 March 2025.

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