Agriculture in Eswatine
Eswatini's agriculture sector is the second largest contributor to the economy, after manufacturing. It's characterized by both commercial farming for export, particularly sugar, and widespread subsistence farming of maize and other crops. While the sector contributes significantly to food security and livelihoods, it faces challenges like drought, erratic weather, and import dependency.
Key aspects of Eswatini's agriculture:Commercial Agriculture
Dominates in sugar, canned fruit, and beef production for export. Eswatini is a major sugar producer, and the sugarcane industry significantly impacts the GDP, according to Wikipedia.
Primarily
focused on maize cultivation, which is a staple food, but also includes
legumes, tubers, sorghum, and horticultural crops.
Import Dependency:
Eswatini is a net importer of maize, wheat, and other agricultural products, particularly from South Africa.
Challenges:
Drought, erratic weather, and fluctuating international prices impact agricultural productivity and food security.
Government Initiatives:
The Ministry of Agriculture provides subsidies for farming inputs like fertilizer and tractor hire services to support farmers, according to the Eswatini Government.
Strategic Goals:
The
government aims to achieve food abundance, create wealth for Emaswati,
and transform agriculture into a more effective, sustainable, and
diversified production system according to the Eswatini Government.
Contribution to the Economy:
While
agriculture's direct contribution to GDP is less than manufacturing, it
underpins the manufacturing sector by providing raw materials and also
supports the service sector, according to the FAO.
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