Twelve smallholder farmers in Eswatini have undergone training in baby vegetable production, an initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBOARD), and the Ministry of Agriculture. The workshop, held on March 10, 2025, is part of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, aimed at strengthening climate-resilient farming and expanding market access.
The farmers, who are part of youth-led agricultural groups, are benefiting from a broader project that includes the installation of 0.2 hectares of shade nets to protect their crops from climate risks. Funded under the Green Development of Baby Vegetables to Facilitate Export and Promote Decent Youth Employment project, the initiative is designed to increase export potential while creating sustainable job opportunities.
During the training, participants learned key techniques in baby vegetable cultivation, pest and disease management, and strategies to market their produce effectively. The workshop also established a roadmap to scale up production and connect farmers with potential buyers.
