On 24–26 July, a transformative three- day training workshop took place at the Women in Trade and Development’s base in Sidvokodvo, Eswatini as 15 women from seven constituencies graduated as trainers in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) with a focus on regenerative farming.
Each trainer is now tasked with sharing their knowledge by mentoring at least three women and youth in their communities, creating a ripple effect of sustainable farming practices among the 60 community-based farmers.
This milestone marks a critical step towards building community resilience against climate change while addressing food insecurity and gender inequality in agriculture and wealth creation.
The training covered climate-smart farming principles, nursery management, organic fertilisers, vegetable production, herbal uses and integrated pest management (IPM), equipping participants with practical skills to revitalise local agriculture.
Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Foundation for Resilience
The training began with an introduction to climate-smart agriculture, a holistic approach designed to tackle three core challenges; sustainably increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing resilience to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Participants learnt how CSA integrates traditional knowledge with innovative techniques such as drought-resistant crops and soil conservation methods, to combat erratic weather patterns. Farmers shared first-hand accounts of climate impacts including prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall and pest outbreaks that have devastated crops and degraded soils.
These testimonies underscored the urgency of adopting CSA practices which align with global efforts like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
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A key takeaway was the emphasis on localised solutions. For instance, the group discussed how agroforestry and conservation agriculture could mitigate soil erosion while climate-resilient seed varieties might reduce crop failures.
The session also highlighted the economic benefits of CSA such as higher yields and diversified income streams, which are vital for Eswatini, where a part of the population faces food insecurity and the youth face high unemployment.
Nursery Establishment: Cultivating Life from the Ground Up
The nursery module blended theory and hands-on practice, teaching participants how to create optimal conditions for seed germination and early plant growth. The facilitator explained the importance of selecting a sheltered location, preparing nutrient-rich soil beds, and installing shading nets to protect young plants from harsh sunlight.
The facilitator demonstrated that a well-designed watering system, using drip irrigation or recycled materials, conserves water, a critical resource in drought-prone regions. During the practical session, participants designed nursery layouts, prepared seedbeds with compost and sowed seeds of high-value crops. This exercise not only built technical skills, but also fostered teamwork and problem-solving.
One participant remarked, “Now I can grow my seedlings instead of buying expensive, disease-infected ones from the market. This will save money and improve my farm’s productivity.”
Organic Fertilisers: Enriching soil health naturally
Transitioning away from chemical inputs, the training highlighted the benefits of organic fertilisers, which improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and reduce environmental harm. Participants explored various types including compost, animal manure and liquid fertilisers as a nitrogen-rich foliar spray.
The discussion also addressed the long-term advantages of organic practices, such as reduced input costs and healthier ecosystems. Smallholder farmers who adopt these methods often see improved crop resilience and higher marketability for ‘chemical-free’ produce.
Vegetable Production: Nutrition, income and food security
The facilitator presented vegetable farming as a cornerstone of household nutrition and economic stability. This topic covered crop rotation strategies to prevent soil depletion and optimal spacing techniques to maximise yields. Participants then prepared seedbeds and transplanted seedlings, adhering to high standards for bed preparation and planting density.
The session emphasised the dual role of vegetables in addressing malnutrition, a pressing issue in Eswatini and generating income. For example, fast-growing crops like spinach can provide both food and surplus for sale, empowering women to contribute to household finances.
Herbs and Integrated Pest Management: Nature’s Pharmacy and Pest Control
The herbs module showcased the versatility of plants like rosemary (culinary), aloe vera (topical), mint (medicinal), and marigold (pesticidal). These herbs offer low-cost solutions for health and pest management, reducing reliance on synthetic products.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training further reinforced sustainable practices. Participants learned to combine biological controls (e.g., beneficial insects), cultural methods (e.g., intercropping), and physical barriers (e.g., nets) to manage pests without chemicals. A hands-on activity demonstrated how to prepare natural pesticides from household ingredients like garlic and chilli peppers.
Conclusion and Next Steps
To ensure lasting impact, WITAD plans follow-up visits to monitor progress and organise CSA farm tours for further exposure. As one participant declared, “I am no longer just a farmer; I am a climate champion for my village.”
Contact
sebenzile@witad.org.sz
www.witad.org.sz
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