BY PHESHEYA KUNENE - EDITOR
SIDVOKODVO – The Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, is set to host the 18th edition of the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition Prize-Giving Ceremony this 23 October 2025 at Riders Ranch.
The competition is aimed at honouring Eswatini’s most outstanding women farmers for their excellence, innovation, and resilience in agriculture.
This year’s competition attracted 247 women farmers from all four ecological regions, with Manzini Region recording the highest number of participants. The farmers, most of whom operate under Swazi Nation Land, represent the backbone of Eswatini’s agricultural production and rural economy.
The competition, divided into two categories, youth and adult, seeks to recognise both emerging and seasoned farmers who are making remarkable strides in food production and agribusiness. A Top 15 was initially selected for each category before judges shortlisted the Top 10 finalists, who will now compete for the prestigious title of Woman Farmer of the Year 2025.
The judging panel consisted of agricultural experts from NAMBoard, National Maize Corporation, World Vision, Dairy Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, and WFF itself.
The process, which ran from September 15 to 30, 2025, was designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and recognition of true merit.
Speaking to Agribusiness Media, Sebenele Zwane, Programmes Officer at WFF, said the stage is set for what promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet.
“This year’s finalists have demonstrated incredible skill, creativity, and resilience in their farming enterprises. They embody the spirit of hard work and innovation that continues to drive Eswatini’s agricultural development,” Zwane said.
CELEBRATING WOMEN WHO FEED THE NATION
The Woman Farmer of the Year Competition has grown into one of the country’s most significant agricultural empowerment platforms.
Since its inception, it has not only recognised excellence but also strengthened livelihoods by providing winners with cash prizes, farming equipment, and tools that enhance production and sustainability.
What began as a vision to empower women in agriculture has evolved into a national movement that continues to inspire thousands of rural farmers to view agriculture as a viable career and a tool for economic transformation.
This year’s event will be graced by the Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, who is expected to deliver the keynote address and reaffirm the ministry’s commitment to supporting women and youth in agribusiness.
YOUTH FARMERS MAKING THEIR MARK
The youth category has become a highlight of the competition, giving young women a platform to showcase innovation and fresh thinking in agriculture.
Last year’s Youth Woman Farmer of the Year walked away with E52,000 in prize money, a strong reminder that farming can be both profitable and purposeful.
Through mentorship, access to resources, and national exposure, the competition continues to encourage the next generation of women farmers to turn their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
“These young farmers are proof that agriculture is not an outdated occupation, but a modern, dynamic career that drives food security and rural development,” Zwane added.
A SEED FOR THE FUTURE
Beyond the awards and applause, the WFF Competition represents a transformative initiative that is reshaping Eswatini’s farming landscape. By investing in women farmers, the programme contributes to food security, job creation, and poverty reduction, aligning with the country’s broader development goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Each woman who competes becomes a catalyst for change, teaching communities that with knowledge, tools, and support, farming can be both dignified and lucrative.
EDITOR’S NOTE
As Agribusiness Media continues to spotlight such impactful initiatives, one thing remains clear: when women thrive in agriculture, the nation prospers. The Woman Farmer Foundation’s dedication to empowering rural women deserves recognition, for it not only grows crops, but cultivates confidence, leadership, and legacy in the fields of Eswatini.
