BY LINDELWA DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Woman Farmer Foundation (WFF) competition for this year is now open and prizes of over E100 000 will be won.
According to WFF Communications Officer Teresa Mdhluli, the competition aims to empower women who are farmers to achieve self-reliance, free from dependence. This competition serves as a beacon of hope for many, offering the chance to secure valuable farming resources.
Mdhluli said the competition was acknowledged by the agricultural sector, underscoring the significance of empowering women. The competition spans across all regions of the country, demonstrating the WFF’s commitment to exclusivity and ensuring no one is marginalised based on their location.
The WFF mouthpiece stated that registration forms have been distributed to various locations frequented by farmers, such as Khuba Traders, input shops, RDAs, and agriculture offices. With the deadline fast approaching, farmers who have not yet signed up for the competition, but wish to participate are strongly urged to do so without delay.
It is recommended that farmers return their completed forms to the same location where they obtained them for efficient collection. In case farmers face difficulties in filling out the form, they can take assistance from the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard), National Maize Corporation (NMC), or the number on the poster.
The competition is exclusively tailored for women and young participants. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible to compete in the youth category, while those aged 35 and above can participate in the adult category.
This year’s entry anticipation for the competition is over 300, therefore we strongly encourage farmers to submit their applications promptly before the deadline. All individuals are welcome to participate, however, there will be a selection criteria to determine the eligibility of each farmer. To qualify, a farmer must have been engaged in farming for a minimum of one year.
The Foundation will be disseminating further information regarding the competition by attending agricultural exhibitions across all regions, in order to educate farmers on the necessary prerequisites.
The WFF will be utilising radio broadcasts to raise awareness about the competition. Former winners are actively encouraging farmers to partake in the event by sharing their success stories, highlighting the exposure they gained and the rewards they received as champions. They emphasise how participating in the competition has enhanced their agricultural endeavors and increased their earnings significantly.
To be eligible to be part of the competition, participants should:
- Within the youth category (between 18 to 35 years)
- Adult woman category should be above 35 years
- Should be an active farmer for at least a year
- Operate on Eswatini Nation Land
Deadline for entering the competition is June 28, 2024.
