Eswatini has made progress in economic growth and sustainability since 2010. However, it is estimated that 29 percent of the population are facing severe acute food insecurity and urgently require humanitarian assistance. The prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition remains a pressing concern across the country. Chronic malnutrition and stunting affect 26 percent of children aged under 5. 

Farming is an important source of food and livelihoods for 75 percent of rural families. However, Eswatini is vulnerable to climate change, with frequent droughts, erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells all affecting food production. Other factors include inadequate farming technologies, low investment in seeds, fertilizers and equipment, and structural barriers preventing access to formal markets. As a result, the country depends on imports to feed its people. 

Eswatini is likely to face a below-average harvest in 2023/24, for both consumption and cash crops, compared to 2022/23. Approximately 30 percent of all food produced is lost post-harvest due to poor harvesting, handling, storage and transport infrastructure.  

The Government of Eswatini, with support from the World Food Programme, is prioritizing climate change adaptation strategies for farming, through the the Climate Proof and Resilience Project.. 

What the World Food Programme is doing in Eswatini

Crisis response
WFP provides cash-based transfers and food to the most vulnerable families across the country. In 2023, we reached 54,800 people with cash-based transfers and 54,600 children with nutritional support.
Home-grown school feeding
WFP works with the Government to improve and promote education under the Home-Grown School Feeding programme. Locally procured produce also increases incomes for smallholder farmers and boosts the local economy. Working with the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO, WFP provides training in climate-smart technologies, food production and pricing, marketing access, and food safety and preparation, to smallholder farmers from 17 registered farmer cooperatives, so they can provide food that meets the required standards.
Social safety nets and livelihoods
WFP provides safety nets to over 90,000 vulnerable people including those living with or at high risk of contracting HIV and tuberculosis, people living with disabilities, and orphans and vulnerable children of pre-primary school age across Eswatini. In collaboration with clinics and support groups, WFP provides food assistance to 2,000 households of people living with HIV/tuberculosis, and to critically malnourished pregnant or breastfeeding women and children. Approximately 1,700 community volunteers run nutrition-sensitive neighbourhood care point programmes, with food assistance supporting over 59,000 children aged under 5.
Neighbourhood care points
WFP, in collaboration with Eswatini's Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, supports social safety nets for 26,500 orphans and vulnerable children, providing them with daily, warm meals. WFP also trained people under the Caregivers' Livelihood Support Programme, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills like baking and detergent-making. The Ministry of Agriculture offers additional livelihood support. WFP further assisted the Government in strengthening the National Care Points initiative across the country.
Climate Proof and Resilient Livelihood Project
WFP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and National Maize Corporation, trained smallholder farmers in soil-sampling analysis and post-harvest techniques, to support maize production. Additionally, this project helps farmers to access markets.

Publications

Show more

In focus

Show more

Partners and donors

Achieving Zero Hunger is the work of many. Our work in Eswatini is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
The Government of Eswatini The Government of Japan Multilateral Funds Adventist Development and Relief Agency European Commission Humanitarian Aid

Operations in Eswatini

View all operations

Contacts

Office

2nd Floor New UN House, Corner Somhlolo Road & Madlenya Street
Mbabane
Eswatini

Phone
+ 268 2409 6600/6601
Fax
+ 268 - 2404 7880
Email
[email protected]
For media inquiries
[email protected]
Social

Advanced search