LocationsFrom Bush to Bounty
May 4, 2025
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Henrik Franklin talks to the Malazas while touring their farm.
Nestled in the northern reaches of Eswatini lies Phophonyane, a rural community on the outskirts of Piggs Peak in the Hhohho Region. Here, Boniswa Dlamini-Malaza and her husband, Canaan Malaza, are nurturing more than just vegetables – they’re growing a future brimming with potential.
On a 3.5-hectare plot of land borrowed from Boniswa’s parents, the young couple – both trained teachers – have transformed what was once overgrown bush into a flourishing vegetable farm. Rows of vibrant spinach and green beans now dominate the land, tended by a team of hardworking women labourers. Their produce supplies local supermarkets, the Piggs Peak Hotel, and the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard).
“This farm is not only providing a livelihood for my family, but it’s also creating income opportunities for other community members,” said Boniswa. “I’ve stopped looking for a job. With my husband employed as a teacher, we’ve been able to fund the business – and we also secured a loan from Eswatini Bank.”
Everything changed in 2024, when Boniswa received training in climate-smart agriculture (CSA) through a partnership between NAMBoard and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The initiative, funded through the UNDP Nature, Climate and Energy Window – supported by the governments of Germany, Denmark, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, and Iceland - empowered over 100 young farmers to boost their production sustainably.
Through the programme, Boniswa and other participants gained practical skills in sustainable energy use, smart farming techniques, waste management, and entrepreneurship. Each received a drip irrigation system covering 0.2 hectares, enabling them to conserve water, reduce labour, and double their yields. The impact has been tangible: Boniswa was awarded second place in the prestigious Woman Farmer of the Year competition under the youth category last year.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Henrik Franklin and NAMBoard CEO, Mr Bhekizwe Maziya, with their delegation pose with young farmer Njabulo Maziya in his vegetable plot.
On May 02, the couple’s farm welcomed a delegation including UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Henrik Franklin and NAMBoard CEO Mr. Bhekizwe Maziya. They visited several project participants across the region, including Njabulo Gule, who cultivates baby marrows with his siblings at Esikhumulweni, and Ntozakhe Mavuso, a tomato farmer at Ntfonjeni.
While the young farmers have made significant progress, they continue to face challenges due to increasingly erratic weather patterns. Excessive rain and hailstorms pose ongoing threats to their crops. They are looking to shade nets as a potential solution.
Young tomato farmer, Ntozakhe Mavuso.
“Agribusiness can be an attractive job opportunity and livelihood option for young people in Eswatini contributing to poverty reduction,” said Franklin. “However, increasingly variable and unpredictable weather patterns puts production at risk. UNDP is therefore pleased to partner with NAMBoard to support smallholder farmers with training, drip irrigation and other technologies to boost productivity, while enhancing their access to markets and financial services.”
He also expressed gratitude to the donor governments for their support in making the initiative possible.
NAMBoard CEO Bhekizwe Maziya praised the resilience and innovation of the youth farmers. “It’s inspiring to see young people from rural communities using modern technologies to reduce labour and increase output. This kind of initiative helps NAMBoard promote youth involvement in agriculture and build a stronger, more sustainable sector.”
Maziya also appreciated UNDP for the partnership.