The Government of Eswatini, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched the Smallholder Agriculture Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP), a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s agricultural sector. With a budget of E851 million (US$15.5 million), the project is set to run from 2024 to 2031, targeting rural farmers to improve productivity, food security, and economic growth.
SAPEMP is designed to uplift smallholder farmers by increasing production, enhancing nutrition, and boosting incomes through better market access and strengthened agricultural value chains. The project also aims to build resilience against climate change, ensuring long-term sustainability for rural livelihoods.
During the launch, IFAD Country Director Francesco Rispoli described SAPEMP as a cornerstone of Eswatini’s 2022–2027 national agricultural strategy. He stressed that with over 70% of the population relying on agriculture for sustenance, initiatives like SAPEMP are critical in fostering inclusive economic development.
“This initiative is part of a broader strategy co-developed with the government to drive inclusive growth and support smallholder farmers,” said Rispoli. “The launch of SAPEMP is a testimony to Eswatini’s unwavering focus on rural prosperity. Together, we are planting the seeds of self-reliance, economic opportunity, and dignity for smallholder farmers.”
The project marks the sixth collaboration between IFAD and Eswatini since 1983, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to rural development. Key aspects of SAPEMP include improving agricultural service delivery, strengthening government institutions, and ensuring small-scale farmers have access to better farming resources and markets.
The launch event, held in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives and development partners, who hailed the project as a catalyst for rural economic transformation.
