BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has now turned to artificial insemination to improve the production of beef and chevon (goat meat), in collaboration with its development partners.
The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services (DVLS), is doing this in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
This partnership is part of the four-year ‘Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP)’ supported by the EU alongside two other interconnected programmes namely; ‘Support for Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JC&CI)’ and ‘Support to the Implementation of the Southern African Development Community-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC-EU EPA).’
One of the key activities under this programme is the establishment of a cattle and goat breeding centre with a focus on introducing artificial insemination and breeding evaluation. To ensure the success of this endeavor, the Ministry of Agriculture’s key Extension Officers and Veterinary Assistants are undergoing training in artificial insemination conducted by the Eswatini Dairy Board (EDB) which boasts extensive experience and adequate technical experience on artificial insemination in the context of Eswatini. The training equips the Extension Officers and Veterinary Assistants with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve breeding techniques and enhance the quality and marketability of livestock.
Ministry of Agriculture’s Fattening Ranch Officer who is also the National Project Coordinator for the ELVCDP, Bongani Magagula, expressed his optimism about the impact of this programme on the country’s agricultural sector. “This initiative will revolutionize the beef and goat value chains in Eswatini and significantly contribute to the country’s GDP,” he stated.
Nsalitje Ranch Manager, Bongumusa Simelane, highlighted the importance of improving the breeds available in the country through this programme. “With the implementation of artificial insemination, we will be able to enhance the genetic diversity of our livestock and improve the overall resilience of our herds,” he commented.
He further highlighted the project’s potential to rapidly increase the country’s livestock population, particularly cattle, following the significant losses experienced during the El Nino-induced drought of 2015-16. “The project will enable us to produce high-quality breeds and calves that will contribute to our feedlots and abattoirs, as well as the export market such as the EU,” he added.
EU Programme Officer – Agriculture, Bhekani Magongo expressed confidence in the project’s ability to address existing weaknesses and gaps in the country’s livestock value chains. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to enhancing productivity, production, job creation, and income, particularly for smallholder farmers, women and the youth. “Our goal is to boost production, create employment opportunities, enhance market competitiveness, and improve the efficiency of small and medium producers,” he affirmed.
Through the joint efforts of the EU, ITC, and the Ministry of Agriculture, the future looks promising for the beef and goat value chains in Eswatini. This innovative approach to livestock breeding is set to transform the agricultural landscape and drive economic growth in the country.
