BY SIKHULILE DLAMINI

Sidvokodvo – The 2024 Women Farmer of the Year Competition culminated in a spirited celebration of agricultural excellence on Thursday, 3 April 2025, as government threw its weight behind empowering women and youth in farming.

Held at Riders Ranch, Sidvokodvo, the awards ceremony brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain—including government, private sector sponsors, and the media—to honour trailblazing women transforming agriculture in Eswatini.

In his keynote address, Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka lauded the critical role women continue to play in advancing food security and economic resilience, reiterating government’s commitment to supporting women and youth through technology, funding, and market access.

“Women have always been at the forefront of farming. This competition aligns with His Majesty’s ‘Nkwe’ call to accelerate efforts towards food sovereignty. As a ministry, we are ensuring women are equipped, supported, and given access to viable markets,” said Tshawuka.

Government Backing Farmers for Success

Tshawuka announced that NAMBoard is being repurposed to offer market access and price protection for farmers. Instead of walking away from substandard produce, NAMBoard will now share the responsibility with the farmer, ensuring even second-grade crops fetch a break-even price.

He further highlighted:

• A new E851 million SAPEMP project, funded by IFAD and the Green Climate Fund, to support women, youth, and persons with disabilities through productivity and marketing initiatives.
• Construction of a cold storage and export facility at KMIII Airport to open international markets.
• Emphasis on technology adoption to attract young people and ease the burden of traditional farming practices.

“Young women do not want to toil endlessly under the sun. Technology must be the gateway to make farming more attractive, efficient, and rewarding,” the Minister emphasized.

Celebrating the Best: 2024 Women Farmer Awards

The event’s highlight was the crowning of Nokuthula Matsebula from the Manzini region as Woman Farmer of the Year 2024. Operating a diverse 5-hectare farm that includes goat farming, vegetables, and beekeeping, Matsebula walked away with E142,300, farm inputs, a mini tractor, generator, water tank, and other tools to boost her enterprise.

In the youth category, Nokwanda Nxumalo, also from Manzini, won top honours. Farming on just one hectare in Mahlanya, Nxumalo specializes in herbs, chillies, and vegetables, supplying to outlets like Spar. She received E52,605, fertilizers, a water tank, and a generator.

Other regional youth winners included:

• Buliswa Dlamini (Hhohho): E44,000 and fertilizers
• Notsetselelo Mamba (Lubombo): E35,900 and inputs
• Unnamed winner from Hhohho (Ntfonjeni): E8,000 and farm inputs

All winners emphasized the importance of agriculture as a pathway to self-reliance, especially amid growing unemployment.

Record-Breaking Participation

With 251 participants—the highest ever—the competition drew women from all four regions: 75 from Hhohho, 74 from Manzini, 67 from Lubombo, and 35 from Shiselweni.

Sonia Paiva, founder of the Woman Farmer Foundation, praised the women’s resilience and called for deeper investment in training, technology, and climate-smart agriculture.

“As we celebrate these achievements, we recommit to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for a food-secure Eswatini,” she said.

About the Competition

Since 2007, the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition has recognised outstanding female farmers based on:

• Productivity and sustainability
• Innovation and modern farming practices
• Impact on food security at household and community level

Entry is open and free via NAMBoard offices.

This year’s event was made possible through support from Eswatini Bank, NMC, Khuba Traders, NAMBoard, Grindrod, and media partners like Eswatini Observer and Eswatini TV.

Photo credit: Ministry of Agriculture Communications Unit