Once written off as barren and overgrown, the fields now farmed by Eswatini’s farmer companies under the E2.01 billion Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project Phase II (LUSIP II) are blossoming into one of the country’s greatest success stories in modern agriculture.  

These lands, previously plagued by poverty, drought, and underutilisation, are now yielding commercial-grade maize that is being fed directly into the country’s national food coffers. 

Just a few seasons ago, the idea of smallholder farmers contributing meaningfully to the nation’s maize reserves seemed far-fetched. Today, supported by the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), these farmer companies have turned that vision into reality. 

Under the LUSIP II project, maize production has surged from 191.9 tonnes in 2024 to nearly 300 tonnes in just one season—a remarkable 56.33 per cent increase. This dramatic leap in output underscores not only the effectiveness of EWADE’s farmer company model but also the resilience and commitment of Eswatini’s smallholder farmers. 

The produce is now secured at Matsapha under the guardianship of the National Maize Corporation, marking a major step forward in the nation’s march toward food sovereignty. What was once a patchwork of underutilised fields is now a reliable source of staple food, helping to cushion Eswatini against external shocks and reduce its dependence on imports. 

“This is a powerful moment in our national development journey,” said Nokwazi Hlophe, EWADE’s Corporate Communications Manager. “We’re not just talking about food security in theory—we’re seeing real, measurable impact from our farmer companies. It’s a milestone that reflects what can happen when vision, policy, and community align.” 

At the heart of this transformation is EWADE’s farmer company model—a collaborative system of collective production, shared infrastructure, technical assistance, and market access. It aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture’s strategy, under the leadership of Honourable Minister Mandla Tshawuka, to reduce food imports, elevate rural productivity, and reclaim Eswatini’s agricultural potential. 

Among the top-performing groups are the Vulematfuba, Ngcongco, Sikhutsele, Gangakhulu, Mnanjane, Malabane, and Bhatimane Farmer Companies. These entities have embraced modern farming methods and are turning once-idle land into productive agricultural zones. 

“We are witnessing the results of improved water access, better agronomic practices, and a coordinated input supply model,” explained Zwelethu Dlamini, EWADE’s Agriculture Development Manager. “By aligning technical support with real-time field needs, we’re empowering farmers to meet commercial volumes while sustaining soil health and productivity.” 

Dlamini went on to say that each farmer company functions within a support ecosystem that includes seasonal land preparation, tractor hire services, post-harvest handling training, and market linkages. “This model addresses more than food production—it tackles unemployment, rural poverty, and youth disengagement in agriculture,” Dlamini explained. 

Importantly, LUSIP II strengthens climate resilience. With modern irrigation infrastructure, smallholder farmers are no longer at the mercy of erratic rainfall. Instead, they now produce year-round, contributing to Eswatini’s climate-smart agriculture strategy and overall sustainability agenda. 

The ripple effects go far beyond tonnage. Across participating chiefdoms, communities are being revitalised. Jobs are emerging, youth are returning to farming, and women are increasingly taking leadership roles in crop production. 

“The story here is bigger than maize,” added Hlophe. “It’s about communities reclaiming their identity through productivity. It’s about shifting the narrative—Eswatini can feed itself, and our smallholder farmers are proving that every single day.” 

With the country still dependent on imported maize, this progress is not only symbolic—it’s strategic. The farmer companies’ growing contribution is cushioning Eswatini against global food supply shocks while reinforcing national pride in local productivity. 

As Eswatini advances toward its food sovereignty goals, the LUSIP II farmer company model offers a tested, scalable, and community-rooted solution—one that places trust in local knowledge, builds technical capacity, and positions smallholder farmers as agents of national transformation. 

The message is clear: with the right support, even the smallest fields can yield the biggest impact. And now, their grain is no longer just for survival—it is feeding a nation.