BY: PHESHEYA KUNENE | EDITOR
MBABANE — The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has handed over digital equipment worth more than E300 000 to the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen monitoring of about 3000 smallholder farmers under SAPEMP.
The equipment comprises four HP laptops valued at E83 904 and 40 iPad tablets worth E200 029. It wIll be used by agricultural extension officers across Eswatini’s four regions to collect and submit field data.
The handover forms part of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP), a seven-year programme aimed at increasing smallholder productivity, improving market access and strengthening rural livelihoods.
SAPEMP has identified 40 farmer clusters involving approximately 3 000 farmers and currently covers 30 Tinkhundla, with further expansion expected as implementation progresses.
Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka said the devices would allow extension officers to collect real-time information on farming activities across the country.
The information will include what farmers are planting, where crops are being grown, access to irrigation and whether producers have access to markets.
Tshawuka said access to timely and accurate field information would give the Ministry a clearer understanding of farmers’ needs and strengthen its ability to plan and deliver agricultural services.
The investment comes as SAPEMP moves from its start-up phase into implementation after operating for about a year.
EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said the equipment forms part of a wider drive to put data and digitalisation at the centre of SAPEMP’s implementation and monitoring.
He said the devices were more than a technology investment, as they would enable extension officers to capture information directly from the field and improve reporting, coordination and evidence-based decision-making.
According to Sithole, stronger digital systems should also improve the delivery of agricultural extension services and contribute to increased productivity, incomes, food and nutrition security and resilience among smallholder farmers.
SAPEMP is designed to help transform rural economies by strengthening smallholder production and connecting farmers more effectively to markets.
The digital monitoring system could become particularly important as the project expands. Reliable information on farmer numbers, crops, production areas, irrigation and markets can help government and implementing agencies identify production gaps and direct agricultural support more effectively.
For farmers, however, the measure of success will extend beyond the number of tablets or laptops deployed.
The critical question will be whether the data collected translates into better extension support, stronger market connections, improved productivity and higher farm incomes.
EWADE said it would continue working with the Ministry of Agriculture and other partners to ensure SAPEMP delivers measurable and sustainable benefits for farmers and rural communities.
