The leadership of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) embarked on a tour of Hamba Ubuye farmers across Sigangeni, Sicunusa and Gege Clusters, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to strengthening farmer support and enhancing productivity under the Commercial Maize Project (CMP).

Led by the CEO, accompanied by members of the Executive Management Team, the visit formed part of ongoing field monitoring efforts aimed at assessing crop performance, understanding farmer challenges firsthand, and reinforcing the importance of the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund as a sustainable agricultural finance model.

Strong Farmer Participation Across Regions

The CMP currently supports 191 farmers with farming inputs across the four regions of Eswatini, covering 1,827.00 hectares, of which 1,701.40 hectares have been planted. To date, this has translated into a total investment of E13.9 million across participating farmers.

A breakdown of farmer participation is as follows:

• Manzini: 66 farmers (675.2 ha planted; E5.79 million disbursed)
• Shiselweni: 74 farmers (688.5 ha planted; E4.90 million disbursed)
• Lubombo: 13 farmers (67.5 ha planted; E575,129.30 disbursed)
• Hhohho: 38 farmers (270.2 ha planted; E2.54 million disbursed)

The CEO noted that farmer turnout and commitment in areas such as Sigangeni, Sicunusa and Gege reflect strong momentum for the 2025/26 season despite the harsh climatic shocks experienced earlier this year.

Farmers Demonstrate Resilience Amid Climate Challenges

During the tour, the Executive Team engaged farmers who have been heavily affected by the prolonged dry spell and heatwave. The February 2026 assessment revealed a countrywide projected yield loss of 26%, with Hhohho (Ntfonjeni Cluster) being the most affected region at 35%.

In all three visited clusters: Sigangeni, Sicunusa and Gege, farmers expressed appreciation for continued EWADE extension support and monitoring, especially at a time when climatic stress has threatened both crop performance and loan repayment capacity.

Despite these setbacks, many farmers under the Hamba Ubuye programme continued planting and implementing recovery strategies, demonstrating resilience and commitment to sustaining their participation in the revolving fund model.

Loan Recovery Remains Strong

The Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund continues to show robust performance. As of February 2026:

• 78% of the total allocated loans have been recovered
• A cumulative E10.9 million has been repaid out of E14 million
• 59.7% of farmers have fully paid their loans
• Only 8.7% have not begun repayment

The CEO commended farmers for their cooperation, noting that repayment levels signal trust in the programme and a collective commitment to its long‑term sustainability.

Supporting Farmers Through Field Monitoring and Extension

During the visit, EWADE’s Executive Management emphasised the importance of sustained extension support. Cluster managers continue to work closely with farmers to assist with:

• Crop monitoring
• Pest and disease control (including Fall Armyworm management)
• Top-dressing guidance
• Bean planting support under the NDMA partnership

The team also assessed progress in farmers who are still owing the fund but have continued planting as part of their repayment commitment.

Looking Ahead

EWADE leadership reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to ensuring farmers receive the necessary technical support, especially given the uncertainties brought by climate change.

The CEO concluded the tour by emphasising that:
 

“Our farmers remain at the heart of national food security. Despite the challenges, their determination continues to inspire us. We will keep walking this journey with them, ensuring that no farmer is left behind under the Hamba Ubuye model.”