The Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise has announced that its Commercial Maize Project supported 191 farmers across the country this season to cultivate 1,424 hectares of maize, with the initiative recording its highest ever production figures under the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund.
As of Monday, June 22, farmers had successfully harvested 1,291 hectares across the country’s four regions, despite challenging weather conditions that affected parts of the season. The project is expected to deliver 5,697 metric tonnes of maize by the end of the season, the highest production recorded since the programme began.
The growth of the initiative has been significant. Since its inception, the programme has expanded from supporting just 17 farmers cultivating 172 hectares to nearly 200 farmers producing maize on over 1,400 hectares. 
EWADE said the project goes beyond boosting output, with its core aim being to transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a viable agribusiness opportunity. The enterprise has been providing farmers with access to production support, technical expertise and financial backing, while the introduction of small-scale harvesting technologies has improved efficiency, reduced labour costs and strengthened the sustainability of farming operations.
The Commercial Maize Project contributes directly to national food sovereignty while creating opportunities for increased household income and broader agricultural growth across Eswatini’s four regions.
