MBABANE – The Ministry of Agriculture and key stakeholders have gathered for a three-day workshop aimed at emphasizing the pivotal role of knowledge management in accurately reporting on the Malabo commitments and advancing the Biennial Review (BR) process in Eswatini.

Opening the workshop, the Principal Secretary underscored the importance of robust knowledge management systems in ensuring the effective monitoring and reporting of the Malabo commitments. These commitments, stemming from the Maputo Declaration in 2003 and renewed in the Malabo Declaration of 2014, aim to bolster agricultural development by targeting a 6% annual growth rate in the sector and allocating at least 10% of national budgets to agriculture.

Since the adoption of the Malabo Declaration, Eswatini has been striving to align its agricultural policies and practices with the objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP). The workshop serves as a platform for stakeholders to evaluate the country’s progress, as revealed in the 4th Biennial Review performance report. This report provides valuable insights into Eswatini’s agricultural landscape, highlighting areas of success and identifying areas requiring improvement.

In addition to reviewing the BR results, the workshop aims to familiarize national stakeholders with the guidelines for effective knowledge management and data capture. By equipping participants with the necessary tools and resources, the workshop seeks to enhance the quality and accuracy of data collection, analysis, and reporting processes.

One key aspect of the workshop is the empowerment of journalists and reporters to play a proactive role in raising awareness and advocating for the fulfillment of Malabo commitments. Recognizing the influential role of the media in shaping public discourse, efforts are underway to provide journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively communicate agricultural development issues to the public.

As Eswatini continues its journey towards achieving the goals outlined in the Malabo Declaration, collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders remain essential. Through initiatives like the Knowledge Management and Monitoring Workshop, the country is poised to strengthen its agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.