(L-R) NAMBoard CEO, Bhekizwe Maziya, and UNDP Acting Resident Representative, Gita Welch (Credit: UNDP Eswatini)
BY SIBUSISIWE NDZIMANDZE | JOURNALIST
MANZINI - Horticulture farming has long depended on informal communication and individual planning, often leaving farmers exposed to market uncertainty and losses. The introduction of the Horticulture Information System (EHIS) by the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) marks a shift toward a more organised, data-driven approach, where production, market prices, and supply information are shared through a single digital platform to support farmers and improve market balance.
EHIS is a digital platform created to help farmers make informed production decisions, protect local markets, and strengthen food security across the country.
What EHIS Is and How It Works
EHIS is a web-based agricultural information system focused on the horticulture sector. Through the platform, farmers register and provide details about:
- The crops they are producing
- The scale of their production
- Their expected harvesting periods
This information is collected and analysed to create a national picture of horticulture production. The data helps guide market planning and supports coordinated decision-making across the value chain.
Why EHIS Is Important for Farmers
Speaking on the importance of the system, Lwandile Maseko, Communications Officer at NAMBoard, said:
“The Eswatini Horticulture Information System was developed to record and make available accurate horticultural production and market information. This allows NAMBoard to maintain a balance between supply and demand, ensuring that farmers produce what is required by the market and that their produce is able to find a market.”
This approach helps farmers avoid producing crops that may struggle to sell due to oversupply or poor market timing.
Supporting Market-Led Production
One of the key goals of EHIS is to promote market-led production. Instead of farming based on guesswork, farmers are supported to align their production with actual market needs.
When farmers register and share production information:
- Market demand can be better understood
- Oversupply of certain crops can be avoided
- Harvesting can be planned more effectively
This leads to reduced losses and improved income stability for farmers.
Protecting Local Farmers From Unnecessary Imports
EHIS also plays an important role in protecting local farmers. With clear data on what is being produced locally, NAMBoard is better positioned to regulate imports.
“When local production is known in advance, unnecessary imports can be reduced,” Maseko explained. “This gives local farmers a fair opportunity to sell their produce before imported products enter the market.”
This strengthens the position of local farmers and supports domestic value chains.
Improving Planning Across the Horticulture Sector
Beyond farmers, EHIS benefits the entire horticulture ecosystem. Buyers, retailers, input suppliers, and policymakers are able to plan better using reliable data.
The platform also serves as an inter-agency system that supports food market transparency and strengthens policy response to food security challenges.
EHIS Is for All Horticulture Farmers
NAMBoard has emphasised that EHIS is open to all horticulture farmers, whether they are contracted with the board or not. Small-scale, medium, and large producers are all encouraged to register.
The accuracy and usefulness of the system increase as more farmers participate.
How to Register on EHIS
Farmers can register on EHIS by following these steps:
1. Visit www.ehis.co.sz using a smartphone or computer
2. Complete the online registration form
3. Download the EHIS mobile application on Android or iOS
4. Enter your crop and production details
📞 For assistance, contact NAMBoard on: 7802 7437
A Final Word to Farmers
EHIS is a practical tool designed to support farmers, protect local production, and ensure that horticulture markets function efficiently. By registering, farmers contribute to a stronger, more organised horticulture sector where decisions are based on accurate information.
EHIS helps farmers move from uncertainty to informed planning supporting a more secure and sustainable future for horticulture in Eswatini.
