MBABANE – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders, hosted an inception workshop on the development of Eswatini’s Irrigation Masterplan. The workshop, held on April 1st, is part of a technical cooperation project aimed at supporting the implementation of the country’s National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP).
The Irrigation Masterplan is designed to enhance water resources management and support smallholder farmers by improving irrigation infrastructure investments. FAO Representative Patrice Talla emphasized that the initiative would play a crucial role in addressing water management issues and boosting agricultural productivity, particularly in the face of drought challenges.
Talla explained, “By improving irrigation development, this initiative directly supports the National Agricultural Investment Plan’s objectives, ensuring that the agriculture sector remains a key driver of economic growth and food security in Eswatini.”
The workshop also highlighted challenges such as the sustainability of water infrastructure management, lack of investment, and the need for better water management practices among smallholder farmers.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture stressed the importance of prioritizing water use efficiency and irrigation investments to meet the growing demands of Eswatini’s population and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
