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The authorities indicated that imports of genetically modified maize are allowed provided their importation is in accordance with the provisions of the Bio-Safety Act of 2012.

(…) Currently, there are 46 technical committees for different economic sectors [17], with over 200 members, including a range of public and private sector representatives (local authorities, industry, trade, consumers, academia and civil society). (…)

[17] Sectors include: general services, food and agriculture, health and safety, information technology, environment, electrical and mechanical engineering, building and construction materials, and chemicals and textiles.

(...) Under the Swaziland Agricultural Development Programme, training on good agricultural practices (such as conservation, seed multiplication and agro-forestry) has been conducted in 17 rural development areas, benefiting some 2,000 farmers. Some parastatal organizations also offer support services to farmers. For example, NAMBOARD is involved in training and creating awareness among vegetable producers and exporters regarding adherence to international standards, quality requirements, packaging and marketing.

Swaziland applies export prohibitions on products regulated by international conventions, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Export prohibitions may also be imposed in case of food shortages resulting from drought or other natural disasters, but the authorities have indicated that they are not applied in practice.

Table 3.5 Swaziland: public enterprises and government agencies, 2014
Public enterprises Ministry or sector
Tourism and environment
Swaziland Environment Authority Tourism and Environmental Affairs
(...)

(...) Some of the main challenges facing agriculture are climate change, high input costs and lack of access to credit and marketing networks. (...)

Swaziland remains a net importer of several food products. As production has declined in past years due to the adverse effects of climate change and poor farming practices, import demand for some crops and other food items has increased. Some of the main agricultural imports are maize, dairy products, bovine meat, rice and wheat (Table 4.2).

(...) Livestock grazing of cattle, sheep and goats remains the principal land usage, and overgrazing is a major cause of soil erosion.

Swaziland has abundant forest resources, covering 32% of the total land area. Forestry provides raw materials for manufacturing industries and some export products (mainly wood - sawn or chipped). During the years under review, the sector suffered from severe forest fires that destroyed large plantations and led to the closure of a major pulp mill in 2010 and the end of unbleached kraft pulp production, formerly an important export commodity. Forestry activity has recovered during the last few years, supported by increased investment and the opening of a new company in 2011. Most plantations have now shifted from pine to eucalyptus, which has a shorter maturity span.

(...) The Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is mandated to ensure optimal and sustainable exploitation of fishery resources and to promote fish consumption in order to enhance food security. A Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy was adopted in 2012, with the key objective of maximizing, in a sustainable manner, the value and opportunities from freshwater fishing so as to reduce food insecurity and poverty, and support the growth of small-scale commercial fishing. Among other strategies, the policy proposes modernizing regulatory, institutional and management frameworks for fishing and encouraging the development of aquaculture. A new Freshwater Fisheries Bill has been drafted and is currently with the Attorney General.