Independent Dialogue
Geographical focus:
Eswatini
Main findings
1). Bargaining Power targeted to Markets: the dialogues resolved that Due to the marketing challenges that farmers are facing, they must establish strong group/s that shall have bargaining power in the market. In this regard, they will be able to obtain the most favorable prices, representation in marketing boards, lobby governments to enact policies that will allow participation of the private sector to alleviate price volatility. The capacity of farmer cooperatives should be strengthened so that they can deliver effective services to members including organizing collective access to inputs a
... Read morend output markets for farmers. Government and development partners should provide infrastructure such as warehouses to support farmers' enterprise bargaining. 2). Agriculture Crop Insurance: The dialogue proposed for a system of risk and insurance sharing which might mitigate the consequences of adverse outcomes or might even allow traders to pursue higher returns but more risky activities. In the absence of formal institutions, proposing that social capital might play this role. 3). Governance of Farmer Organizations: As a matter of policy, the dialogue proposed that Agricultural policies should focus more on the intensification of the agriculture sector, empowering farmers’ organizations, and increase the market orientation of the smallholder farm sector, suggesting that ESNAU should be strengthened to assume this role effectively. Umbrella bodies such as ESNAU must take lead in providing governance mentorship and support to farmer organizations including farmer cooperatives. 4) Climate Change Research: The impacts of climate change on the food systems were observed. The dialogue realized that Climate change can affect food availability, access, utilization, and the stability of each of these over time. It was proposed that Research should take centre stage in unravelling the impacts of this phenomenon if the food system is to be sustained. 5). Access to Finance: In the discussions, finance was said to assume vital and significant importance in the agro–socio-economic development of agriculture both at macro and micro levels. Secondly, it was said to be playing a catalytic role in strengthening the farm business and augmenting the productivity of scarce resources. In a food system access to finance serves to initiate production and sustain the value chain. Financiers should provide farmer-friendly financing products. Government should establish an agriculture fund that will act as collateral for smallholder farmers. 6). Improve adoption, access and use of digital technology; The dialogue noted that today's agriculture routinely uses sophisticated technologies such as robots, temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology. These advanced devices and precision agriculture and robotic systems allow businesses to be more profitable, efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly. The government was therefore encouraged to promote these technologies through capacity building forums for Primary Producers. Producers are encouraged to adopt and make use of new technologies. 7). Agriculture Mechanization. The dialogue realized that primary producers in Eswatini are heterogeneous and that mechanization could be an answer to the problems faced by farmers; the dialogue understood that Mechanization covers all levels of farming and processing technologies, from simple and basic hand tools to more sophisticated and motorized equipment., this improves the efficient use of resources, enhances market access and contributes to mitigating climate-related hazards. 8) Promote agriculture in Schools and improve the curriculum- and strengthen Career Guidance; They understood that as long as there is not targeted career guidance for pupils taking agriculture subjects in schools the prospects of generating future farmers in bleak. There is a need to create an organization to advocate and advance the aspiration of agriculture students and guide their career paths. A youth wing under ESNAU can be created, to in the first place target schools. 9). Overgrazing and Land degradation: were serious issues for the dialogue, unit livestock agriculture requires massive amounts of land, food, energy, and water; results in polluted land, water, and air; and causes immense animal suffering. livestock production contributes to the world's most pressing environmental problems, including global warming, land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The group proposed that farmers must keep the right livestock unit per area (proper Livestock Units). The ministry of agriculture must intensify educational programs. 10). Development and investment agencies could help in providing grants, funds for supporting agriculture projects. Donor funding could make a meaningful difference if they were to support the establishment of a Farmers Bank. Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment