The Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase II (LUSIP II) is entering its final implementation phase with hundreds more emaSwati set to benefit from commercial agriculture as new irrigation schemes come on stream across the Lower Usuthu region.
The E2.3 billion project, one of the largest rural development initiatives ever undertaken in Eswatini, is currently developing an additional 441.5 hectares under three new irrigation schemes and farm pocket developments, further extending the benefits of irrigated agriculture to communities that were previously dependent on rain-fed farming.
According to the latest project progress report, the new developments comprise Geleza Ngovuma Farmer Company, which covers 86.6 hectares and has 121 shareholders; Kuthula Makubekitsi Farmer Company, spanning 213 hectares with 50 shareholders; and Asidonse Kanyekanye Farmer Company, covering 70.4 hectares and benefiting 48 shareholders.
The developments also include farm pockets for existing farmer companies, further expanding agricultural production within the LUSIP area.
Once operational, the three new schemes will bring 219 shareholder farmers into commercial agriculture, enabling them to participate directly in farming enterprises and benefit from the economic opportunities created through irrigated agriculture.
Their establishment will also see LUSIP II achieve one of its key targets, the creation of 30 farmer companies under the project.
The latest expansion builds on a programme that has already transformed agriculture and livelihoods across the Lower Usuthu region.
To date, 3,957.47 hectares have been fully developed and are currently under production. Of this total, 3,180 hectares are under sugarcane, 515.65 hectares under banana production and 261.82 hectares under field crops.
These operations are managed by 27 farmer companies established through LUSIP II, many of which have become important contributors to agricultural output and local economic activity.
Upon completion of the ongoing developments, the project will move significantly closer to its overall target of 5,273 hectares of irrigated farmland, comprising 4,000 hectares under sugarcane, 500 hectares under bananas and 773 hectares under alternative crops.
More than half of the land currently being developed will support sugarcane production, while the balance will be utilised for bananas and other field crops, contributing to both agricultural growth and diversification.
The progress achieved so far reflects substantial investment in irrigation infrastructure and supporting services. Across most of the new schemes, perimeter fencing has been completed, irrigation systems have been installed and planting activities are progressing steadily.
The project has also invested heavily in electricity reticulation, water distribution networks, land preparation and agricultural support services, creating the conditions necessary for sustainable commercial farming.
Beyond agricultural production, the new developments are expected to generate significant socio-economic benefits for participating communities.
The schemes are projected to create permanent and seasonal employment opportunities, strengthen household incomes and increase participation in commercial agriculture, while enabling shareholder farmers to become active participants in the agricultural economy.
Funded by the Government of Eswatini, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Kuwait Fund, LUSIP II has become a flagship rural development programme with far-reaching economic impact.
Since inception, the project has created more than 2,100 jobs. Farmer companies account for over 775 jobs, while contractors engaged in project implementation have generated more than 1,375 additional employment opportunities.
Speaking on the project’s progress, EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said LUSIP II was delivering on its mandate of transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable commercial agriculture.
“As LUSIP II moves towards completion, we are not merely developing infrastructure or bringing additional hectares under irrigation. We are creating new economic opportunities for emaSwati and extending the benefits of commercial agriculture to more communities,” said Dr Sithole.
He said the additional schemes currently under development would bring hundreds more households into productive farming enterprises while creating jobs, increasing household incomes and strengthening rural economies.
“This is exactly the kind of broad-based economic transformation that the project was designed to achieve,” he said.
Dr Sithole said the success of the 27 operational farmer companies managing nearly 4,000 hectares of irrigated farmland demonstrated the project’s impact on rural development and economic empowerment.
“What is particularly encouraging is that the new developments are building on an already successful foundation. The communities that are now coming on board are joining a programme that has demonstrated its ability to improve livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.
He added that the inclusion of sugarcane, bananas and alternative crops would support agricultural diversification while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the farming enterprises.
“As these additional schemes become fully operational, more emaSwati will participate meaningfully in the agricultural economy as shareholders, employees and entrepreneurs. The project is therefore not only expanding irrigated agriculture, but also creating a platform for long-term rural prosperity.”
LUSIP II by the numbers
- E2.3 billion investment
- 5,273 hectares targeted for irrigation development
- 3,957 hectares already operational
- 1,356 hectares under development
- More than 13,000 beneficiaries
- 30 farmer companies established
- 27 operational farmer companies currently producing
- Three new schemes under development
- More than 2,100 jobs created
Discussion about this post