Eli Olivia Dlamini and Boniswa Dlamini-Malaza take top honours as event champions climate-smart agriculture
BY PHESHEYA KUNENE - EDITOR
SIDVOKODVO — It was glitz, grit, and great farming at Riders Ranch as the 18th Woman Farmer of the Year Competition celebrated Eswatini’s standout women and youth farmers for innovation, leadership, and excellence across the agriculture value chain.
Organised by the Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF), the ceremony honoured producers whose work is advancing food security, enterprise growth, and rural livelihoods. Messages throughout the event encouraged farmers—especially women and youth—to adopt climate-smart practices and scale production of staples like maize, beans, carrots, and tomatoes to reduce import dependence.
Top Awards
In the adult category, Eli Olivia Dlamini of Mpolonjeni, KaShoba (Lubombo) claimed the overall title for outstanding performance across livestock, dairy, poultry, and vegetable production. She received prizes valued at E163,840, underscoring her stature as a rising force in agribusiness.
The youth category was won by Boniswa Dlamini-Malaza (29), a vegetable producer from Phophonyane (Hhohho), recognised for stellar work in baby vegetable production. Her prize package included a cheque worth E57,405, a smartphone, a laptop, and E7,000 cash—a nod to the role of technology in modern farming.
As celebrations drew to a close, the mood was one of optimism. The event’s core message was clear: the future of Eswatini’s agriculture is female, youthful, and innovation-driven.
Winners at a Glance
Adult Category
- 🥇 Eli Olivia Dlamini — Mpolonjeni, KaShoba (Lubombo) | Mixed farming (livestock, dairy, poultry, vegetables) | Prizes: E163,840
- 🥈 Jabu Tsabedze — Mahlangatsha | Crop & livestock
- 🥉 Nelisiwe Mngometulu — Ngculwini | Crop & livestock
Youth Category
- 🥇 Boniswa Dlamini-Malaza (29) — Phophonyane, Hhohho | Baby vegetables | E57,405 + smartphone + laptop + E7,000 cash
- 🥈 Nontsetselelo Mamba — Siphofaneni, Mphumakudze | Vegetables & broilers
🥉 Phumzile Happy Thwala — Siphocosini | Mixed production
