In a decisive move to promote sustainability and expand Eswatini’s agricultural exports, EWADE has launched a state-of-the-art banana packhouse under the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project II (LUSIP II), with an investment exceeding E9.1 million.  

Constructed by ICON Construction, the facility incorporates cutting-edge features at a total cost of E9,137,695.40, with construction amounting to E4.09 million and equipment installation by Heathway Investments costing E4.5 million. 

This facility is revolutionizing farming practices, empowering local farmers, and positioning Eswatini’s produce for success in both domestic and international markets. 

Boosting exports 

Recent data from the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) reveals that Eswatini imports 693 metric tons of bananas annually, costing the country over E1.8 million, while exporting 40,367 metric tons, generating around E173.4 million in revenue. EWADE’s banana revolution aims to reduce imports, financially empower local farmers, and increase agricultural exports from the Lower Usuthu Basin. 

Nokwazi Hlophe, EWADE’s Corporate Communications Manager, underscored the strategic importance of the packhouse, stating it represents a fundamental shift in the organization’s approach under LUSIP II. “This banana packhouse is a turning point. We’re transitioning from the sugarcane-heavy model of LUSIP I to embrace crop diversification,” Hlophe said. 

She explained that LUSIP II incorporates a variety of viable cash crops—including bananas, sugarcane, and other field crops—within each Farmer Company, enabling more efficient land use. “By focusing on bananas, we’re empowering local farmers, enhancing crop quality, reducing waste, and increasing the value of their produce both locally and internationally,” Hlophe added. 

Cutting-edge facilities  

EWADE’s Agriculture Development Manager, Zwelethu Dlamini, shared insights into the packhouse’s impressive features, including its capacity to process 27 tons of bananas. It houses two cold rooms, each measuring 7m x 3m x 2.4m, capable of storing up to 30 pallets. “Each pallet holds 50 crates, and each crate contains 18kg of bananas, ensuring farmers can meet market demand while maintaining product quality,” Dlamini explained. 

Additionally, the facility boasts advanced sorting and packaging areas equipped with four washing bins, where bananas are cleaned before being sorted on rotating tables and packed for distribution. The packhouse also features a water conservation system that recycles and reuses water from the banana washing process, significantly reducing water consumption. 

Empowering communities 

For Gcina Ginindza, LUSIP II Project Manager, the banana packhouse represents a breakthrough for local farmers. “This facility is a game-changer. It symbolizes EWADE’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and our mission to drive Eswatini’s agricultural sector towards greater economic resilience and food security,” he said. 

Ginindza elaborated on EWADE’s long-term vision, explaining that the packhouse is part of a larger strategy to reshape Eswatini’s agricultural landscape. “This is just the beginning. By modernizing infrastructure and practices, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth, ensuring that farmers benefit from increased productivity and competitiveness,” he added. 

The positive impact of the packhouse is already being felt, with improved productivity and employment opportunities created during the construction phase. “Farmers are seeing real benefits, and this is just the start of the impact this facility will have on the region,” Ginindza noted. 

He highlighted the packhouse’s role in a broader strategy to reshape Eswatini’s agricultural landscape. “By modernizing infrastructure and practices, we are laying the foundation for long-term growth, ensuring farmers benefit from increased productivity and competitiveness,” he added. 

During the construction phase, the project generated employment opportunities for local community members, who were hired as general labourers. Additionally, local businesses provided machinery, ensuring economic benefits extended to surrounding communities. 

Mandla Vilane, Ngcongco Limited Chairperson echoed Ginindza’s sentiments, saying: “This packhouse will revolutionize our farming businesses and improve our livelihoods. We are now better positioned to meet market demands and ensure the quality of our produce.” 

LUSIP II banana production 

As of the latest data, 10 Farmer Companies (FCs) under LUSIP II manage a total of 327.1 hectares of banana plantations, spread across the Matsenjwa, Ngcamphalala, and Mngometulu chiefdoms. These companies are comprised of 929 farmers—403 women and 526 men—demonstrating EWADE’s commitment to gender inclusivity in agriculture and rural development. 

“The land is collectively managed by the members of each company, ensuring optimal yield 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 produced by these Farmer Companies are distributed through multiple market channels, including NAMBoard, Subtropico (Springs), and local vendors. This market diversification ensures a steady demand for bananas and provides farmers with reliable income streams. The success of these Farmer Companies in local and international markets further strengthens Eswatini’s reputation as a reliable exporter of high-quality agricultural  

A vision for the future 

EWADE has partnered with Nisela Farms to establish a 500-hectare banana value chain, with the packhouse poised to handle up to 27 tons of produce at full capacity. This collaboration aims to strengthen Eswatini’s food security, reduce dependence on imports, and elevate smallholder farmers from subsistence to thriving commercial enterprises. 

By driving sustainability and forming strong partnerships, EWADE’s strategy ensures long-term growth for Eswatini’s agricultural sector. The LUSIP II banana packhouse stands as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation, sustainability, and community-driven development come together for a brighter future.