By: Sibandze Sikhona

Manzini – The future of farming in Eswatini is becoming digital. Small-scale farmers, who have long faced challenges in accessing services and information, now have a powerful tool to simplify their journey — the digital membership card launched by the Eswatini National Agricultural Union (ESNAU) at its 17th Annual Policy Conference, held at The George Hotel in Manzini.

The innovation, unveiled under the theme “Increasing Value Through Farmer Membership, Association, Skills Building and Technology,” is not just another card. It represents a gateway to modern farming, helping farmers embrace digital transformation in order to remain competitive, resilient, and productive.

Breaking Barriers for Farmers

For years, farmers have relied on paperwork, word-of-mouth, and delayed processes to access services. The digital card changes this by giving members one simple, farmer-centered tool that cuts through the inefficiencies. With the card, farmers can:

• Confirm and prove their active membership status instantly.
• Access ESNAU services at events, workshops, and partner institutions.
• Tap into future digital platforms to register for programs, get updates, and interact directly with ESNAU.
• Earn rewards and discounts at selected agricultural suppliers such as Limisa Agricultural Suppliers and Shiselweni Livestock.

This leap forward means a farmer in the most rural part of Eswatini can now be digitally connected to services that once felt out of reach.

Government Backs the Innovation

Opening the conference, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Mandla Tshawuka, represented by Principal Secretary Sydney Simelane, applauded ESNAU for pioneering change.

“I am pleased to see ESNAU unveiling new products such as the digital membership card. These innovations are critical in ensuring that farmers see real benefits from their union, which should translate into improved productivity and national output,” he said.

The Minister’s words reinforced government’s commitment to working with ESNAU to transform agriculture into a pillar of the national economy, supported by technology, financial access, and farmer-centered services.

Farmers Embrace Digital Transformation

For farmers on the ground, the new card represents hope and belonging.

“This card makes us feel like true members of a serious organization. It will help us access inputs, pricing information, and training opportunities more easily. Most importantly, it encourages us to collaborate and cooperate as farmers,” said farmer Alex Gule, one of the ESNAU members who attended the launch.

His words reflect the shift that is happening in the sector — farmers are beginning to see digital transformation as not just an option, but a necessity for survival and growth.

Building a Modern Farmer Organization

According to ESNAU CEO Tammy Dlamini, the card is part of a larger effort to transform ESNAU into a modern, responsive farmer body. Alongside a revamped funeral policy and crop insurance products, the card demonstrates that ESNAU is not only about advocacy, but also about delivering practical, everyday benefits that improve farmers’ lives.

The digital card ensures that membership is no longer just about numbers, but about tangible value. It’s a tool to help farmers stand united, benefit from partnerships, and strengthen their resilience in a fast-changing agricultural landscape.

Why This Matters for Farmers

Digital transformation is sweeping across every sector, and agriculture cannot be left behind. Farmers who fail to adapt risk losing markets, opportunities, and relevance. By introducing the digital membership card, ESNAU is ensuring that even the small-scale farmer has access to the same tools and opportunities as larger players.

This is more than a card — it is a step towards:

• Stronger farmer identity and representation.
• Simplified access to services.
• Greater resilience through social protection products.
• Improved productivity through information and technology.

Call to Action

The message is clear: farmers who join ESNAU and adopt this digital membership card are preparing themselves for the future.

Farmers are encouraged to register or renew their membership and start using the card as a gateway to greater opportunities, improved livelihoods, and stronger cooperation.

For registration, farmers can contact ESNAU via WhatsApp at 7867 6660 or reach out to their regional ESNAU representatives.

✨ Key Takeaway: ESNAU’s digital membership card is more than technology — it is empowerment, value, and survival in a modern farming world. By embracing it, farmers are not just members of an organization, but active players in Eswatini’s journey to food security and economic growth.