The Convention to Combat Desertification
Swaziland National Action Programme

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preamble

The Kingdom of Swaziland is experiencing formidable challenges of addressing land degradation and desertification problems. These problems are experienced within the context of a rapid population increase, worsening poverty and progressive increase in the utilisation of environment and land resources. Presently, almost half (49 percent) of the total land is vulnerable to desertification. Moreover, more than half (55 percent) of total communal rangelands have experienced a sharp decline in their productivity. The semi - arid portion estimated at 26 percent of the total land area is consistently experiencing drought conditions which render the soil prone to erosion (Downing and Zuke, 1997).

The Government of Swaziland, as a signatory to the International Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD), with the assistance of the United Nations Office for Desertification, is making significant headway towards meeting its obligations under the convention. The preparation of the National Action Plan (NAP) is a culmination of several activities undertaken by government towards the implementation of the convention. The NAP prepares the stage where local partner signatories to the convention are invited to contribute their assistance and initiatives in the implementation of the convention.

1.2 Defining the process

The NAP is one of the essential implementation tools of the CCD and its production is guided by the principles set by Article 3 of the CCD. Collectively, the principles stress the importance of consultation and participation in the implementation of the CCD. The NAP preparation process began with community and regional consultations aimed at sharpening awareness among the various stakeholders. The second stage was the holding of the National Forum to formulate priorities. The writing of the NAP is, therefore, partly a product of the consultative and participatory fora held by local stakeholders, particularly the First National Forum held at Mphophoma on September 10, 1997. This process will be completed with Cabinet’s approval and endorsement of the NAP.

1.3 Purpose of the report

This report presents the National Action Programme (NAP) which details a strategy and programmes aimed at the implementation of the CCD. The programmes provide mechanisms and windows of opportunities whereby interested partners make submissions of projects designed to address problems of land degradation and desertification. The NAP is important in a number of ways. Firstly, it provides a framework for the implementation of the CCD. Secondly, the implementation of CCD programmes and activities has the potential of addressing other socio - economic problems such as poverty, which is consistent with government's major goal of poverty alleviation. Thirdly, the NAP offers opportunities of highlighting land degradation and desertification issues incorporated within the long - term National Development Strategy (NDS) and the short - term Economic and Social Reform Agenda (ESRA). Lastly, the NAP acts as a framework for the mobilisation of local initiatives, resources and skills crucial in the translation of the convention into action.

1.4 Scope of the report

This report will confine itself to the setting out of the implementation strategy to facilitate the mounting of combating desertification activities within local communities. The implementation of the NAP has been designed following the programme approach to development which shall be elaborated in section 6. The integral part of the NAP strategy is the articulation of a national programme framework for the implementation of the NAP consisting of coherent set of individual (but not independent) programme components. Essentially, the components have been presented in terms of their objectives, outputs, activities, relevance to other programmes, institutional framework for implementation, time frame, cost estimate, sources of funding. In the selection of the programme components linkages with other programmes were sought. For instance, linkages with programmes on good governance, poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods.

It must be noted that the format of this report is quite a departure from other government reports where stated goals, budgets and resources are known before hand and are within the control of the agencies. The NAP programme goals, budgets and resources will be more or less estimates and approximations since NAP relies on the initiative of the prospective partners who may conduct their affairs and activities within their own budget and time constraints. In essence, this report shall not prescribe to prospective partners how to conduct their affairs. Instead it provides an enabling framework of encouraging, supporting, and promoting desires of its partners through activity and policy decisions within its structures. This report will also not venture into technical matters and activities of any nature in its attempt to facilitate the achievement of partners' desires within the NAP.

1.5 Report preparation process

Since the beginning of the 1990s there has been documentation of issues and concerns related to the environment. There has also been documentation of proceedings of workshops, seminars, conferences / conventions and meetings on environmental issues, particularly on land degradation and desertification. The NAP report is a product of the analysis of most of these documents and it has benefited from insights of various informants / stakeholders through community workshops, meetings and National Fora.

Suggestions or comments. This page was last updated on 06 May 2003