ESWATINI TARGETS COMMERCIAL MARKETS FOR INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES

By Nonophile Khumalo

MBABANE – Eswatini is pushing to turn indigenous vegetables into profitable agricultural products, with Government calling for stronger market links to help farmers earn more, improve food security and unlock new business opportunities across the country.

The call was made by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Sydney Boy Simelane, who represented the Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Mandla Tshawuka, at the official opening of the 2nd African Vegetable Forum at Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane.

Simelane emphasised the need to move traditional African vegetables beyond household consumption and establish stronger connections between smallholder farmers, commercial buyers and consumers.

Crops such as amaranth, African nightshade and pumpkin leaves have sustained African communities for generations, yet their commercial potential remains largely underutilised. Strengthening their production and marketing could create new income streams for farmers while expanding access to nutritious, locally grown food.

Simelane stressed that conserving these vegetables was not enough. Sustainable seed systems, agricultural research, culinary innovation and reliable market access are essential to transforming indigenous crops into viable commercial products.

Held under the theme, “Utilization of Traditional African Vegetables for Nutrition, Livelihoods, and Value-Chain Development,” the forum brings together agricultural researchers, policymakers, conservation specialists and development partners to explore how Africa can better utilise its vegetable biodiversity to strengthen nutrition, livelihoods and climate resilience.

For Eswatini, the discussions also present opportunities for the tourism and hospitality sectors. Hotels, lodges, restaurants and catering establishments could increase their use of locally grown indigenous vegetables, creating stronger supply links with farmers while showcasing the country’s culinary heritage.

Greater demand from the hospitality industry could encourage farmers to expand production, improve consistency and meet the quality requirements of commercial buyers. This would help connect agricultural production with tourism experiences that celebrate local food and culture.

The programme highlights the achievements of the Taiwan Agricultural Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) in Eswatini and Kenya, alongside discussions on traditional vegetable conservation in Tanzania. These exchanges provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share practical approaches to improving production, preserving crop diversity and developing stronger value chains.

Simelane acknowledged the contribution of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) and other development partners in supporting agricultural research, conservation and regional cooperation.

A key anticipated outcome of the forum is the Eswatini Declaration on the Utilization, Conservation and Value-Chain Development of Traditional African Vegetables, which is expected to establish regional priorities and investment plans through 2035.

The forum positions indigenous vegetables as more than traditional food crops, highlighting their potential to support commercial agriculture, strengthen rural livelihoods and create new opportunities across Eswatini’s food and tourism industries.