USADF Signs Grant to Support Horticulture in Swaziland:

WASHINGTON - July 21, 2009 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 21, 2009 – In an effort to reduce poverty and support income generation activities, the United States African Development Foundation signed a grant to benefit a grassroots group in Swaziland. The grant will benefit Egebeni Development Company (EDC) located in Egebeni Village, Mazini Region.

After signing the grant, USADF President Lloyd Pierson stated, “By directly funding this small enterprise, USADF is promoting economic development at the grassroots level in Swaziland.”

EDC is comprised of 63 small scale farmers whose mission is to improve the quality of life of its members and of the wider community by engaging in commercial agricultural activities.  EDC has been granted 366 hectares, 80 percent which is arable, and several tools and equipment from the Government of Swaziland.  They have been successful in small-scale production of milk, the sale of goats and cattle for meat, and the cultivation and sale of maize.  Individual members have grown various vegetables.  Because buyers have demonstrated significant market demand for these products, EDC wants to take advantage of its members’ skills to grow crops to meet such demand.  However, the organization is constrained by limited management and operational capabilities and insufficient funds to rehabilitate the equipment from the Government. 

The two year project will help improve EDC’s capacity to manage horticulture enterprise.  The grant will specifically fund the rehabilitation of a water pump, storage facilities, and a tractor.  Additionally funds will be used to purchase seeds, fertilizer, and insecticide, and to train members in business management, governance, and horticulture.

USADF began programming in Swaziland in 2003. Swaziland’s current portfolio stands at eight investment projects totaling more than $1 million.  For more information about the portfolio, please visit the country’s quick source page at http://www.adf.gov/USADF-QuickSourceCountryPortfolioPage-Swaziland.htm .

The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded nearly 1,500 projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.  For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov.

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