Corporates must assist in agric development

08 March 2010, The Swazi Observer
URL: http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=11683

Mbabane:  Federation of Swaziland Employers and Chamber of Commerce (FSE & CC) Chief Executive Officer Zodwa Mabuza has called upon corporate entities to play a part in agricultural development.

Speaking during the signing of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Compact at the Convention Centre yesterday, Mabuza pointed out that retail outlets like Pick n’ Pay, Spar, Shoprite and others can play a big part, by  buying from local farmers.  “FSE has launched a Business Finder programme, through which under-privileged persons will be empowered through existing corporate entities. This will play a big part in uplifting the lives of poor people in the rural communities.”

Agriculture is the backborne of economic development for most economies. She said developments in technology have made commercial agriculture possible, hence the need for support to be forwarded to farmers so as to ensure that productivity is increased in the agricultural sector.  “I take this opportunity to appreciate the wisdom displayed by our leaders in taking up CAADP. I think this came out of the realisation that agriculture is very important to sustained growth,” she said.

The CEO also noted that food was a basic commodity for many societies, which was why food security should assume added attention in the planning process of government. “Our government has done very well by investing in water resources as this is central to agricultural growth. I assure government and all our development partners that the private sector fully supports CAADP.”