Eswatini is working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to help its farmers deal with climate change. The partnersh
Eswatini and UN Partner to Help Farmers with Climate Change
By S David Prince
Eswatini is working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to help its farmers deal with climate change. The partnership is introducing modern farming technologies like greenhouse tunnels and shade net structures to protect crops from extreme heat, droughts, and hailstorms.
The country has been hit hard by climate change, with a 300% increase in hailstorms and a drop in rainfall. In response, 11 greenhouses and 32 shade net structures have been built. These systems save up to 40% of water and have been used to train about 700 farmers, with 60% of them being women.
Mr. Sibusiso Mondlane, a Senior Programme Officer at the FAO, said, “Technical solutions combined with policy alignment and youth involvement are proving critical to building agricultural resilience.”
Mr. Mathew Abang, a lead technical officer for a related project, added that the projects show Eswatini's strong commitment to sustainable farming. The country hopes this model can be used by other nations in Southern Africa that face similar problems.
Implications
This partnership is a great example of how a country can proactively fight climate change with smart, modern solutions. Instead of waiting for a disaster to happen, Eswatini is investing in infrastructure that will protect its food supply for years to come.
The project is significant because it directly benefits local farmers by giving them the tools and training to grow food even in difficult weather. The focus on training women and young people is also a positive step, as it can help boost their income and make communities more food secure. If this model works well, it could provide a roadmap for other countries to build a more resilient agricultural system.
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