14/07/2026
From Seed to Success: TAVI Equips Eswatini Farmers to Build a Thriving Vegetable Industry
By Ntokozo Zwane
The Kingdom of Eswatini has taken another significant step towards transforming its agricultural sector, with farmers and horticulture specialists being equipped with practical skills to drive commercial vegetable and seed production under the second phase of the Taiwan–Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI). The four-day training workshop, held at the Mphophoma Conference Centre in Malkerns, signals a shift from traditional subsistence farming to a market-driven agricultural industry that promises improved food security, higher farmer incomes and greater climate resilience. The initiative is implemented through a partnership between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the World Vegetable Center.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Principal Secretary described the workshop as a strategic investment in Eswatini's agricultural future. He said the programme is designed to strengthen technical expertise in commercial vegetable production, seed quality management, post-harvest handling and marketing while introducing participants to Good Agricultural Practices and the country's Quality Declared Seed system. He noted that the newly developed Commercial Vegetable Production and Commercial Seed Production manuals will provide locally relevant guidance that will continue supporting farmers and extension officers long after the training concludes, positioning Traditional African Vegetables as commercially competitive crops.
Representing the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ms. Sofia Jeng reaffirmed Taiwan's unwavering commitment to supporting Eswatini's agricultural development and food security. She highlighted that TAVI has been implemented successfully for nearly six years, promoting nutritious and climate-resilient Traditional African Vegetables while preserving the country's cultural heritage. She celebrated the publication of two milestone technical manuals tailored specifically for Eswatini and encouraged participants to embrace modern production methods that will enable them to supply quality vegetables and seeds to expanding commercial markets. Ms. Jeng further revealed that some local farmers are already earning about E2,000 per month from a single traditional vegetable variety, demonstrating the growing commercial potential of the sector.
TAVI Phase II Project Manager Dr. Yuan-Li (Sophia) Chan described the workshop as the beginning of a new era for agriculture in Eswatini. She explained that while Phase I focused on conserving traditional vegetables, strengthening the national genebank and improving household nutrition, the programme has now evolved towards commercialization and profitable farming. Dr. Chan said the knowledge contained in the newly developed manuals reflects decades of international scientific research, but stressed that real transformation will come from farmers, extension officers and agricultural specialists who apply that knowledge to create sustainable businesses and stronger livelihoods.
The shared message from all three speakers was clear: Eswatini's future vegetable industry will be built through strong partnerships, innovation and empowered farmers. As participants begin intensive training in commercial production techniques, stakeholders believe the initiative will accelerate the growth of a resilient vegetable value chain capable of boosting rural incomes, strengthening national food security and opening new market opportunities. With continued collaboration between Taiwan, the World Vegetable Center and the Government of Eswatini, TAVI is laying the foundation for a modern agricultural sector where traditional vegetables become a driver of economic growth and national prosperity.
Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative
