MANZINI – The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Eswatini Karsten Mecklenburg handed-over five vehicles that are worth over E3.5 million to the Ministry of Agriculture for the implementation of the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP).
Held at the Manzini veterinary offices, Mecklenburg said the 4×4 double cabs valued E3,573,775.00 are intended to support the implementation of the ELVCDP by enabling government officers to effectively access hard to reach farmers and communities across the country.
“These vehicles represent more than a logistical asset, they are an investment in impact,” he said.
The project was launched last year by the Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka at the International Trade Centre.
Even before that both countries’ relations have seen EU’s continued support in agriculture and other sectors.
In the agriculture sector, the EU supported the Eswatini Government to respond to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FDM) outbreak, training for the Ministry of Agriculture officials on production oriented techniques in livestock breeding, and in May, the EU handed over hay baling equipment worth over E3.1 million to support fodder production.
Mecklenburg said this is to help the livestock sector to cope with seasonal fluctuations and climate-related risks.
“I was pleased to hear that this equipment has already produced 690 hay bales, valued at SZL 276,000 (approx. Euro13, 259.81) providing much needed support to farmers in sustaining their livestock during dry spells,” he said.
The EU said it hopes the support with the vehicles would be used strategically and responsibly to enhance delivery, coordination, and visibility of project activities, adding that they are intended to benefit the communities.
“The EU understands the role livestock significantly holds in areas of culture and economy for Emaswati. Developing this critical value chain therefore reflects our shared commitment to enterprise and sustainable rural development, improved food systems, and inclusive economic growth. This is a value chain, we all understand, currently faces a big challenge in the form of the recently declared Foot and Mouth Disease occurrence in the Shiselweni Region,” Mecklenburg said.
The Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka thanking the EU for the support said the ministry wanted to see through a number of projects that were also supported.
He stated that the EU has demonstrated ‘true friendship with this country.’
He also acknowledged the construction of 16 small and medium sized dams and having received hay-making equipment for farmers from the EU through this same project.
“With these resources, our extension staff will be better equipped to reach remote areas, deliver vital services, technical assistance to farmers.
“Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to give assurance to all and sundry that the Ministry will complete all scheduled activities to achieve the project’s objectives,” the minister said.
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