With steadfast dedication to transforming challenges into opportunities, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has embarked on a groundbreaking maize planting initiative, bringing hope and sustenance to families displaced by the construction of the multibillion Mpakeni Dam. 

This programme, aimed at securing food supplies during the transitional resettlement period, demonstrates EWADE’s dedication to fostering food security and economic stability. 

The initiative kicked off at Thezane last Thursday, where 23 hectares of maize were successfully planted, directly benefiting 115 displaced individuals. According to EWADE Corporate Communications Manager Nokwazi Hlophe, this milestone represents a crucial step in empowering these households to resume cultivating their fields. “Livelihood restoration plays a vital role in enabling displaced families to regain control over their lives, particularly through access to resources and the ability to produce their own food. Food security, at its core, is not merely about providing immediate sustenance; it is about empowering individuals and households to cultivate their own sustainable means of nourishment. This empowerment fosters resilience, independence, and long-term stability, essential for rebuilding communities disrupted by development projects” said Hlophe. 

Planting activities are also underway in other affected communities, including Lulakeni, Mphelamandla, and KaMngayi. At Mphelamandla, one hectare of maize has been planted to support two families, while at KaMngayi, two hectares have been cultivated, benefiting an additional two families. Preparations at Lulakeni are nearly complete, with planting of 4.5 hectares set to begin, expected to benefit five families. 

To ensure the success of this program, EWADE has provided comprehensive farm input packages tailored to the needs of each household. Each hectare has been supported with 300 kilograms of 2:3:2 (37) fertiliser and 25 kilograms of maize seed. The quantities are adjusted according to the size of each homestead’s farmland, ensuring equitable distribution and maximized productivity. 

“This initiative is part of our broader commitment to restoring livelihoods and ensuring that displaced families regain their independence,” Hlophe explained. “By equipping them with the tools and resources they need to grow their own food, we aim to support their journey toward food security and economic stability.” 

The maize planting project builds on a suite of livelihood restoration programs spearheaded by EWADE. These include the establishment of backyard gardens, poultry rearing projects, and beekeeping training. These holistic efforts are designed to empower displaced families not only to rebuild their lives but to thrive economically and socially. 

EWADE’s initiatives underscore its dedication to ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably, leaving no one behind. The organization’s multi-pronged approach reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by displaced families, emphasizing sustainable solutions that enhance self-reliance and improve quality of life. 

As the maize planting initiative expands across affected communities, EWADE continues to reaffirm its mission: enabling families displaced by development projects to rebuild their lives with dignity, strength, and hope for a prosperous future. Through programs like this, EWADE is not just cultivating maize—it is cultivating resilience, empowerment, and a brighter tomorrow for Eswatini.