Though traditionally considered a low-income enterprise, small farm horticultural and poultry production in Swaziland offers significant potential, particularly for rural women, for generating income and employment. This paper analyzes the growth potential of these subsectors. Following an introduction, Part Two examines general features of the Swazi economy and agricultural sector and their implications for horticultural and poultry production, finding that the country”s economy is strongly influenced by the far larger and more modern economy of neighboring South Africa; for example, South African suppliers dominate the Swazi domestic market for poultry products as well as for many agricultural production inputs. Parts Three and Four review market conditions, participants, support services, constraints, prospects, and opportunities, while Part Five reviews access to financial services. Part Six presents recommendations for government action in six areas (some of which may be appropriate for action by the private sector and/or donors): (1) provision of public goods (e.g., research and extension, grades and standards); (2) special studies and training, as in the areas of subcontracting, outgrowing, and management training; (3) stimulating investments; (4) formal financial sector; (5) producer associations; and (6) investments in human capital, especially in the area of managerial capacity. Includes references.
