Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) has partnered with AeTrade Group in an initiative aimed at connecting local farmers to wider markets and strengthening the commercialisation of smallholder agriculture. The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Mountain View Hotel, establishing a framework for collaboration in digital trade, enterprise development, market access and investment mobilisation.
The partnership seeks to address one of the persistent challenges confronting smallholder farmers, where increased agricultural production does not necessarily translate into improved incomes. EWADE Chief Executive Officer Dr Samson Sithole said the partnership would help smallholder farmers overcome challenges relating to reliable market linkages, market intelligence, product aggregation and access to wider commercial opportunities.
The collaboration will leverage AeTrade Group's integrated digital ecosystem, which includes Sokokuu, AeTrust and AeLearning, to improve the visibility and marketability of agricultural products. It will connect farmer companies and cooperatives with potential buyers and strengthen their business readiness. The partnership is expected to facilitate product verification, digital cataloguing, access to digital commerce, transaction records, business-to-business engagements and investment opportunities.
Dr Sithole said EWADE's mandate extends beyond developing irrigation infrastructure and increasing agricultural production, as the ultimate objective is to transform smallholder farmers into commercially viable agricultural enterprises capable of competing in markets and generating sustainable incomes. He emphasised that farmers need to understand market requirements, adhere to quality standards, plan production around demand and engage confidently with buyers.
The partnership will identify priority projects, farmer companies, cooperatives and value chains that could benefit from the agreement. EWADE will mobilise participating farmers, facilitate access to beneficiaries and integrate activities into its existing programmes. The entity will also support farmers in strengthening business management practices, production planning, quality standards and overall market preparedness.
Dr Sithole cautioned that market access does not automatically guarantee sales, but said the appropriate platforms, networks, information and technical support could significantly improve farmers' prospects of commercial success. He said the ultimate objective is to move beyond being producers to becoming organised, market-responsive agricultural businesses.
The partnership between EWADE and AeTrade Group is expected to have a positive impact on the agricultural sector in Eswatini, enabling smallholder farmers to access wider markets and increase their incomes. The collaboration will also contribute to the country's efforts to develop its agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
Key points
- EWADE partners with AeTrade Group to connect local farmers to wider markets.
- The partnership aims to strengthen commercialisation of smallholder agriculture.
- The collaboration will leverage AeTrade Group's integrated digital ecosystem to improve market access and visibility.
