PELUM ESWATINI

PELUM ESWATINI is a member-driven network of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and community-based organizations committed to transforming Eswatini’s agrosystems and natural ecosystems. Located in the Hhohho District near Bulembu, with an office on Mvangati Street in Mbabane, the organization champions Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Action, Biodiversity Conservation, and Natural Resource Management guided by Ecological Land Use Management (ELUM) principles. By empowering small-scale farmers and marginalized communities in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, PELUM ESWATINI advances capacity building, research, advocacy, policy lobbying, and direct farmer support—cultivating a future where agriculture restores ecological balance and ensures food sovereignty for all.

In an era of climate uncertainty, biodiversity loss, and land degradation, the mission at PELUM ESWATINI is critical. The team integrates agro-ecology and nature-based solutions to drive community-led innovation, building sustainable livelihoods while restoring the health of natural resources. Through partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the organization places Eswatini at the forefront of regenerative land use practices. Visitors to the Mbabane office and partners across the Hhohho District discover a dedicated hub of expertise focused on resilient food systems and social equity.

Mission & Guiding Principles

At the heart of PELUM ESWATINI lies a conviction that agriculture is about people, culture, and the environment. The organization works to restore dignity, knowledge, and autonomy to smallholder farmers, enabling them to thrive amidst socio-economic and environmental challenges. By championing agro-ecology and regenerative land use, every program is designed to cultivate a harmonious relationship between communities and nature.

• Ecological Land Use Management (ELUM): All activities are anchored in ELUM, a holistic framework that balances productivity with ecosystem health.
• Food Sovereignty: Programs prioritize local seed systems, diverse cropping, and community control over food resources.
• Climate Resilience: Nature-based solutions and climate-smart agriculture build adaptive capacity across Hhohho District and beyond.
• Inclusivity: Marginalized groups, women, and youth are active participants in every initiative.

Core Services & Program Areas

PELUM ESWATINI delivers a multifaceted portfolio of services that strengthen both member organizations and the farming communities they serve. Each program is grounded in participatory methods and evidence-based advocacy, ensuring lasting impact across Eswatini’s diverse landscapes.

Capacity Building & Skills Development

The organization develops training toolkits, manuals, and skills programs focused on monitoring & evaluation, participatory ELUM, and agroecological transition strategies. Workshops and field demonstrations equip farmers with practical techniques in soil conservation, water harvesting, organic pest management, and post-harvest handling. Member organizations receive institutional strengthening support to improve service delivery and resource mobilization.

Policy Advocacy & Lobbying

Through research-backed campaigns, PELUM ESWATINI influences policies that support smallholder farmers. The team engages with government agencies, regional bodies, and international forums to align national agricultural strategies with climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development goals. Advocacy efforts focus on land-use governance, seed sovereignty, and fair market access for small-scale producers.

Farmer-Led Innovation & Knowledge Sharing

Peer learning and documentation are central to the organization’s approach. Successful farmer experiences and innovations are captured, disseminated, and scaled across the network, promoting wider adoption of sustainable practices. Field days, exchange visits, and digital platforms facilitate the flow of agroecological knowledge between communities in Bulembu, Mbabane, and rural areas throughout the Hhohho District.

Sustainable Agriculture & Natural Resource Management

PELUM ESWATINI tests and scales alternative agricultural models that prioritize agroecology and nature-based solutions. Projects cover organic vegetable production, agroforestry, integrated pest management, and watershed rehabilitation. By restoring degraded lands and conserving agro-biodiversity, the organization helps farmers increase yields while protecting vital ecosystem services.

Why Communities & Partners Choose PELUM ESWATINI

Farmers, civil society groups, and development partners consistently turn to PELUM ESWATINI because of its deep-rooted expertise and collaborative ethos. The organization’s member-driven structure ensures that local voices shape every strategy, while its alignment with continental and global frameworks attracts funding and technical partnerships. From a smallholder in Bulembu seeking organic certification guidance to a national NGO designing a climate adaptation project, clients find a reliable ally that delivers practical solutions and policy influence.

• Grassroots Legitimacy: As a network of local NGOs, CSOs, and CBOs, the organization has unmatched reach into rural and peri-urban communities.
• Integrated Approach: Programs simultaneously address livelihoods, ecosystems, and advocacy, creating multiplier effects.
• Proven Methodologies: ELUM principles and participatory tools have been refined through years of on-the-ground implementation.
• Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with regional bodies like CAADP and alignment with the SDGs open doors to resources and policy platforms.

Serving Bulembu, Mbabane & the Wider Hhohho District

While the Mbabane office serves as the administrative hub, field operations extend into the agricultural heartlands of the Hhohho District, including the community of Bulembu. The organization works directly with farmers in these areas to pilot agroecological techniques, establish demonstration plots, and facilitate market linkages. Urban and peri-urban agriculture initiatives around Mbabane address food access challenges, while rural programs focus on landscape restoration and livelihood diversification. This geographic presence ensures that PELUM ESWATINI remains responsive to the distinct needs of highveld maize growers, horticulture producers, and livestock keepers across the region.

Get Involved & Connect

Membership is open to organizations and individuals committed to sustainable agriculture and ecological land use. By joining the network, members gain access to training, publications, policy briefs, and a vibrant community of practice. The organization also welcomes volunteers, interns, and research collaborators who want to contribute to food sovereignty in Eswatini. Regular newsletters, social media updates, and events keep stakeholders informed about the latest developments.

• Office Location: Mbabane, Checkers, Mvangati Street, Eswatini – easily accessible for partners visiting from Bulembu and throughout Hhohho District.
• Contact Hours: The office is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00; field visits can be arranged by appointment.
• Digital Resources: The website hosts a document library, blog, and membership application forms for immediate download.
• Social Media: Follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn for real-time project updates and event announcements.