In a transformative move aimed at driving sustainability and expanding Eswatini’s agricultural exports, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has unveiled a modern banana packhouse under the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project II (LUSIP II).
The facility, which cost over E9.1 million, is poised to revolutionize local farming practices and position Eswatini’s produce for success both locally and internationally.
Developed by ICON Construction, the banana packhouse was constructed at a total cost of E9.137 million, with E4.09 million allocated to construction and E4.5 million spent on installing state-of-the-art equipment by Heathway Investments.
Reducing Imports and Expanding Exports
According to data from the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard), Eswatini imports 693 metric tons of bananas annually, costing over E1.8 million, while exporting 40,367 metric tons and earning E173.4 million in revenue. EWADE’s new banana packhouse aims to reduce these imports, increase exports, and financially empower local farmers, particularly those in the Lower Usuthu Basin.
Nokwazi Hlophe, EWADE’s Corporate Communications Manager, emphasized the strategic importance of the facility. “This packhouse marks a critical shift in our approach. We’re moving away from the sugarcane-heavy model of LUSIP I towards crop diversification under LUSIP II,” Hlophe said.
She explained that LUSIP II promotes a variety of cash crops—including bananas, sugarcane, and other field crops—within each Farmer Company, a strategy designed to optimize land use. “By focusing on banana production, we’re empowering farmers, improving product quality, reducing waste, and increasing the value of their produce in both local and international markets,” Hlophe added.
Advanced Features of the Packhouse
EWADE’s Agriculture Development Manager, Zwelethu Dlamini, highlighted the advanced infrastructure of the packhouse, which is capable of processing 27 tons of bananas. The facility includes two cold rooms, each measuring 7 meters by 3 meters by 2.4 meters, with a storage capacity of 30 pallets. “Each pallet holds 50 crates, and each crate contains 18 kilograms of bananas, which enables farmers to meet market demand without compromising quality,” Dlamini said.
The packhouse also features a sophisticated sorting and packaging system, with four washing bins where bananas are cleaned before being sorted on rotating tables and packed for distribution. Additionally, the facility is equipped with a water conservation system that recycles water from the washing process, significantly reducing water usage.
Empowering Farmers, Strengthening Communities
For Gcina Ginindza, LUSIP II Project Manager, the banana packhouse represents more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a game-changer for farmers in the region. “This facility reflects EWADE’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and to creating a resilient agricultural sector that promotes food security and economic development,” Ginindza said.
He elaborated on EWADE’s broader vision, describing the packhouse as part of a larger strategy to reshape Eswatini’s agricultural landscape. “This is just the beginning. By modernizing our infrastructure and adopting more efficient farming practices, we’re laying the foundation for long-term growth, productivity, and competitiveness,” Ginindza added.
During its construction phase, the project created jobs for local residents who were hired as general laborers, and it also brought economic benefits to local businesses that supplied machinery and services. Mandla Vilane, Chairperson of Ngcongco Limited, a Farmer Company under LUSIP II, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This packhouse will transform how we do business, improve our farming methods, and enhance the livelihoods of the people involved.”
LUSIP II Banana Production
Under LUSIP II, 10 Farmer Companies (FCs) currently manage 327.1 hectares of banana plantations across the Matsenjwa, Ngcamphalala, and Mngometulu chiefdoms. These companies consist of 929 farmers—403 women and 526 men—demonstrating EWADE’s commitment to promoting gender equality in agricultural development.
“The land is managed collectively by the members of each company, ensuring optimal production and sustainability,” Dlamini explained.
This tables shows LUSIP II banana production statistics
| Farmers’ Cooperative | Chiefdom | Hectares | Female Members | Male Members | Total Membership |
| Magatja Farmers Limited | Ngcamphalala | 25.2 | 61 | 81 | 142 |
| Ntokozweni Farmers Limited | Ngcamphalala | 43.2 | 56 | 62 | 118 |
| Vulematfuba Limited | Matsenjwa | 37.0 | 48 | 69 | 117 |
| Vukusebente Limited | Matsenjwa | 19.5 | 44 | 64 | 108 |
| Ngcongco Limited | Mngometulu | 36.1 | 40 | 66 | 106 |
| Malabane Farmers Limited | Mngometulu | 45.1 | 40 | 55 | 95 |
| Ntubane Farmers Limited | Mngometulu | 36.7 | 36 | 44 | 80 |
| Gangakhulu Farmers Limited | Mngometulu | 30.8 | 22 | 28 | 50 |
| Sikhutsele Farmers Limited | Mngometulu | 32.4 | 26 | 24 | 50 |
| Phusha Bhobo Limited | Matsenjwa | 21.1 | 30 | 33 | 63 |
Enhancing Economic Growth
The bananas grown by these Farmer Companies are sold through various channels, including NAMBoard, Subtropico (Springs), and local vendors. This market diversification ensures consistent demand for the bananas and provides farmers with a stable income. The success of these Farmer Companies further strengthens Eswatini’s growing reputation as a supplier of high-quality agricultural products.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, EWADE has partnered with Nisela Farms to create a 500-hectare banana value chain, with the packhouse expected to handle up to 27 tons of produce at full capacity. This initiative will not only enhance Eswatini’s food security by reducing the country’s reliance on imports, but it will also support smallholder farmers in transitioning from subsistence farming to more commercially viable enterprises.
By embracing sustainable agricultural practices and forming strategic partnerships, EWADE is driving long-term growth in Eswatini’s agricultural sector. The LUSIP II banana packhouse is a milestone achievement, demonstrating what can be accomplished through innovation and community-focused development.
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