MBABANE – Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, has urged Eswatini to embrace agriculture as the primary solution to unemployment and poverty, calling on stakeholders to seize the opportunities currently available in the sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP), Rijkenberg described the moment as a turning point for the country’s economic transformation. He called on the Ministry of Agriculture to make the most of existing resources, policies, and support structures while the conditions remain favorable.
“Agriculture is the answer to our unemployment and poverty challenges. What we are launching today is exactly what Eswatini needs to move forward,” he said.
While acknowledging the vast agricultural potential of the country, he noted that many fields remain uncultivated, not due to a lack of expertise, but because farming has not been financially viable for many people.
“Farmers are not making money. It’s not a matter of knowledge, but rather that the economic model hasn’t worked in their favor,” he said.
Rijkenberg expressed confidence in SAPEMP and commended the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) for its success in organizing smallholder farmers into productive entities. Drawing from his experience as a former board member of EWADE, he said the organization had found a sustainable model where many others in Africa had struggled.
“EWADE has figured it out. They are transforming lives by moving people from extreme poverty to financial stability, proving the true potential of agriculture when structured strategically,” he stated.
He also stressed the need for inclusive development, ensuring that all regions of Eswatini benefit from agricultural advancements.
