SIGANGENI – The leadership of the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise has conducted a high level field visit to Hamba Ubuye farmers in the Sigangeni, Sicunusa and Gege clusters as part of efforts to assess crop performance and strengthen farmer support under the Commercial Maize Project.
The tour, led by the Chief Executive Officer and members of the Executive Management Team, forms part of ongoing monitoring activities aimed at understanding challenges facing farmers and reinforcing the sustainability of the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund.
The Commercial Maize Project currently supports 191 farmers across the four regions of Eswatini with farming inputs covering 1,827 hectares. Of that land, 1,701.40 hectares have already been planted. The total investment so far stands at E13.9 million. 
In Manzini, 66 farmers have planted 675.2 hectares with E5.79 million disbursed. Shiselweni accounts for 74 farmers cultivating 688.5 hectares supported by E4.90 million. Lubombo has 13 farmers who planted 67.5 hectares with E575,129.30 disbursed. In Hhohho, 38 farmers have planted 270.2 hectares backed by E2.54 million.
The CEO noted that participation levels in Sigangeni, Sicunusa and Gege indicate strong commitment to the 2025 and 2026 farming season despite earlier climatic shocks.
During engagements with farmers, the Executive Team received updates on the impact of prolonged dry spells and heatwaves. A February 2026 assessment recorded a projected national yield loss of 26 percent, with the Hhohho region, particularly the Ntfonjeni cluster, hardest hit at 35 percent.
Farmers in the visited clusters expressed appreciation for continued extension support and monitoring, especially as climatic stress has affected crop performance and placed pressure on loan repayments. Many indicated that despite the challenges, they continued planting and adopted recovery strategies to remain active in the revolving fund programme.
Loan recovery under the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund remains steady. As of February 2026, 78 percent of allocated loans had been recovered, translating to E10.9 million repaid out of E14 million. About 59.7 percent of participating farmers have fully settled their loans, while 8.7 percent have not yet begun repayment.
The Executive Team commended farmers for maintaining repayment discipline, describing it as a sign of confidence in the programme and its long term viability.
Cluster managers continue to provide technical support through crop monitoring, pest and disease control including Fall Armyworm management, guidance on top dressing and assistance with bean planting under the partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency. The visit also assessed progress among farmers who are still servicing their loans but have continued planting as part of their repayment commitments.
The CEO concluded the tour by emphasising that
“Our farmers remain at the heart of national food security. Despite the challenges, their determination continues to inspire us. We will keep walking this journey with them, ensuring that no farmer is left behind under the Hamba Ubuye model.”
