By: NOXOLO DLAMINI

SIDVOKODVO – A new generation of climate-smart tunnel agripreneurs is emerging in Eswatini, as 120 young farmers graduated from the Innovative Climate-Smart Tunnel Training Programme. This initiative is equipping young people with the skills to turn agriculture into a profitable business, addressing the country’s youth unemployment crisis, which is close to 60%.

The programme, spearheaded by the Women Farmer Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Taiwan Embassy, Coca-Cola Eswatini, Montigny and other key stakeholders, is proving to be a game-changer for young people looking for economic opportunities beyond formal employment.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka encouraged graduates to embrace farming as agribusiness rather than subsistence farming. “Farmers should take into account who they will supply before they start production. The market should drive agricultural investment,” he advised.

The Tunnel Production Training Programme equips farmers with modern skills in climate-smart tunnel farming, a method that creates a controlled environment for crop production, reducing the impact of climate change. The course covered entrepreneurship, drip irrigation, marketing, and financial mobilization, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to launch and sustain successful agribusinesses.

Agriculture as a Pathway to Youth Empowerment

One of the programme’s greatest successes is its impact on young people, who increasingly see smart agriculture as a viable path to financial independence and job creation.

Graduate Ntsetselelo Mamba, reflecting on the programme, said:
“This training has transformed my perception of farming. I now have the skills and confidence to run a profitable agribusiness using climate-smart tunnel production. This is the future of farming.”

The programme has grown significantly, from just 20 participants in its first cohort to 120 graduates this year. According to the Taiwan Embassy, which has played a crucial role in knowledge-sharing and resource support, this growth is evidence of rising interest among young people in agribusiness.

Private Sector and Government Support for Young Agripreneurs

Montigny representative Sabelo Masuku highlighted the private sector’s role in developing young farmers and ensuring they have access to resources and markets.
“This programme empowers young people and women with innovative agricultural practices that improve yields, reduce water consumption, and increase resilience to climate change. We are committed to supporting such initiatives,” Masuku said.

To further support young agripreneurs, Minister Tshawuka reminded graduates that the Eswatini Development Fund, launched last year, provides financial support to help bridge the funding gap for new farmers.

A Call to Action: Growing the Future of Farming

The event concluded with a strong call to action for more young people to embrace climate-smart agriculture as a way to build profitable agribusinesses, ensure food security, and contribute to Eswatini’s economic growth.

With the success of the Tunnel Production Training Programme, Eswatini is witnessing a mindset shift among young people, proving that agriculture is no longer just about survival—it is a business opportunity with the potential to transform lives and communities.