There’s lots of talk these days about “Corporate Sustainability” and why it’s important for both economy & business. Today’s piece takes a keen look at our responses as ESWADE to issues of climate change, SDG’s and the global economy in light of the upcoming World Wetlands Day on the 2nd of February 2019. Having recently appeared in the UK’s ‘Sustainable Business Magazine’, the organization thrives at maintaining responses that are of both international resonance as well as national relevance.   
Key to such responses is the organizations adamant pursuit of commercializing agriculture in the country’s predominantly rural settings with the aim of eradicating poverty and replacing it with economic viability. Looking back from KDDP, this approach has proved worthwhile to both the farmer and the country’s economy. KDDP and LUSIP 1 combined, currently stand at a total of over 70 million in dividend payouts whereas the revenue generated from sugarcane through our projects is over 400 million.  
A Commercial Community garden in the Matsenjwa Chiefdom 
 
However, commercializing agriculture in the country’s arid rural areas during the times of a globally threatening climate is not a challenge for the faint-hearted nor is it something to be taken lightly. The motivation for the organization to be both cautious and conscious of sustainability opportunities therefore goes without saying. Focusing on climate-resilient strategies such as drip-irrigation & construction of pack-houses are some of the sustainable solutions that ESWADE pursues to not only counter climate change but maintain the needed economic value in the nationwide pursuit of commercial agriculture.  
ESWADE Staff at Nceka participating in SMLP’s Land Rehabilitation 
 
As a signatory of the United Nation’s Charter, the country, along with other African States, is equally challenged to implement Sustainable Development Goals. Goal number 6, speaking to provision of clean water and sanitation has permitted the organization to provide over 49 000 people in rural settings with access to potable water & sanitation as a complementary to community health as well as food security. Such efforts have had a ripple effect on other SDG’s such as zero hunger, gender equality and the reduction of inequalities.  
A Plaque for ESWADE’s commitment to Land Rehabilitation 
 
Eswatini is ranked 20th among 47 Sub-Saharan Countries of Africa interms of economic competitiveness and Agriculture is still seen as one the key contributors of the nation’s economic growth. With sugarcane being at the fore-front of impacting the country’s GDP; ESWADE through the smallholder irrigation projects, leverages on sustaining this resource amongst others to make the country’s economy globally competitive.  
A treatment plant for Ka-Mamba Potable Water Supply 
 
Initiatives therefore such as SMLP’s Land Rehabilitation Project; LUSIP 2’s Botanical Garden Initiative and the Organization’s overall participation in commemorative events like the upcoming World Wetlands Day all aim towards ensuring the sustenance of the ability to responsibly eradicate poverty and ensure economic growth through commercializing agriculture. Furthermore, in the spirit of SDG’s Goal number 17; ESWADE encourages partnerships that are also enthusiastic about the impact that sustainability initiatives can have in growing an inclusive economy.