LOBAMBA – Legislators demanded that the Ministry of Agriculture unlock idle government farms to tackle Eswatini’s rising unemployment challenges and boost food security.
The politicians scrutinised the ministry during the debate on its first quarter performance report for the 2026/27 financial year yesterday.
Mhlangatane Member of Parliament (MP) Madala Mhlanga, who is also the Deputy Speaker, said they appreciated the ministry’s swift intervention regarding foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), following the announcement of certain relaxations.
However, he expressed concern over the numerous government farms lying idle.
Mhlanga asked whether any policies needed to be unlocked to make these lands accessible to emaSwati, noting that many government farms had been lying unutilised for years.
Ntondozi MP Vulinjini Ngwenya asked if the minister understood the critical importance of his ministry, reiterating that the issue of idle government farms was a matter of great concern.
“Are there any ways of unlocking these government farms for emaSwati? How long must we keep asking the ministry to ensure government farms are utilised?” he asked.
He submitted that legislators had raised this issue in several previous quarters, yet the land remained locked. Ngwenya argued that these farms must be put to good use, especially as the country faces a high unemployment rate. He further highlighted that students from the University of Eswatini (Luyengo Campus) needed access to these farms to put their training into practice.
Ngwenya called on the ministry to unlock funding for the youth alongside the land, enabling them to secure loans and launch agricultural businesses.
Manzini Region MP Thandeka Mavuso also urged the ministry to allow emaSwati to access the idle land. She emphasised that the farms could help graduates, particularly those from the University of Eswatini’s Luyengo Campus, to start enterprises and create job opportunities at a time when land is scarce and youth unemployment remains critical.
Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba recalled previous statements by the minister that government farms close to communities should be utilised by the public, the ministry and government. He pointed out that in his constituency, government has a farm that has been lying idle for many years.
“Let this farm be utilised,” he urged.
Lushaba added that during an agricultural summit around 2007, about 20 idle government farms were identified and it was agreed that funds should be secured to put them to work.
Meanwhile, Ndzingeni MP Singalwi Magagula asked the minister to provide data on how many government farms have been leased to emaSwati.
In response, Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka explained that specific procedures must be followed to lease a government farm, noting that he lacks the sole authority to grant land to individuals. He affirmed that some emaSwati have been leased government farms but explained that land often remains idle because lessees lack the capital to run their businesses and only begin raising funds after securing the lease.
