In a powerful address at the World Food Forum in Rome, His Majesty King Mswati III urged UN Member States to accelerate their efforts in tackling the pressing issue of global food insecurity. His Majesty emphasized the need for urgent action, encapsulated in his call to “move with Nkwe!”—meaning “speed” in siSwati.
During his speech, the King outlined seven critical solutions to address the food crisis in eSwatini. These include transforming agri-food systems to make them more resilient and inclusive, promoting healthy eating, embracing regenerative agriculture, and adopting sustainable food systems.
In alignment with these initiatives, the World Vegetable Center recently convened with the Agriculture Select Portfolio Committees from both the House of Senate and the House of Assembly. This meeting aimed to celebrate and discuss the milestones achieved by the Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) project in eSwatini, which has been instrumental in combating food insecurity, promoting healthy eating, and fostering climate-resilient farming practices.
His Excellency Jeremy Liang, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighted the significant impact of the Taiwan-financed project over the past four years. He noted that it has benefited thousands of vulnerable individuals and school children while also boosting local farmers’ incomes and improving community livelihoods.
Dr. Joyce Mulila-Mitti from the World Vegetable Center presented an overview of the project’s achievements and reiterated the Center’s commitment to addressing food security in eSwatini.
Indeed, His Majesty’s proposed solutions for the food crisis underscore the importance of collaborative efforts. The World Vegetable Center, through the implementation of the TAVI project, is well-positioned to contribute effectively to these critical initiatives. Together, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
