Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) of Nature-Based Infrastructure in Eswatini

Eswatini, a landlocked nation between Mozambique and South Africa, is home to approximately 1.2 million people, with 76% residing in rural areas. Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and reduced crop productivity, resulting in increasing food insecurity and poverty.

To address this, the Government of Eswatini and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are collaborating on the Smallholder Agriculture Productivity Enhancement and Marketing Project (SAPEMP). SAPEMP focuses on regenerating 40,000 ha of land, benefiting 24,500 households and nearly 150,000 individuals. This initiative is crucial for helping small-scale farmers adapt to climate change and protect the environment.

We worked with IFAD and local partners on an NBI scenario implementing 1,000 ha of agroforestry, to increase natural hazard protection and enhance crop productivity in three locations: Maguga Dam (Hhohho region), Hendrick Van Eck Dam (Lubombo region), and the Sand River Dam (Lubombo region). This is a key part of SAPEMP’s broader strategy to enhance farm productivity and climate resilience through nature-based solutions.

This report specifically assesses the value of agroforestry within SAPEMP, aiming to guide future project design and financing. The economic insights gained are intended to support funding acquisition, enhance partnerships, and contribute to informed policy-making.

Our assessment found that for every USD 1 invested in NBI, between USD 1.52 and 1.46 could be returned in benefits for the environment, society, and the economy. This includes avoided crop losses through drought mitigation, increased crop production, and new revenue streams from agroforestry, job creation, and carbon sequestration.