PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
The transformation of subsistence agriculture into market-oriented production has been in the policy spotlight in many countries in the global South, including the Kingdom of Eswatini. Although agricultural commercialisation continues to gain popularity as a development strategy in the rural spaces of Eswatini, there is still lack of scientific evidence on its effectiveness in rural poverty alleviation and contribution to rural livelihoods and welfare. This study aims to contribute to the \'agricultural commercialisation and poverty\' debate by exploring the socio-economic impacts of agricultural commercialisation in rural Eswatini. Among the key findings of the study was that the commercialisation project (in Siphofaneni) improved income levels, income sources, and employment opportunities of rural people in Siphofaneni. Access to food and food consumption patterns (meal frequency & diets) were also improved. The study concluded that agricultural commercialisation improved the welfare outcomes of rural households in Siphofaneni and reduced poverty levels for some households. The study has made a timely contribution by providing some illumination on the role and contribution of the country\'s agricultural commercialisation project with regards to the improvement of the living conditions of people in Eswatini. The study recommended that the government of Eswatini expands the project into other food-deficit and deprived rural areas of the country rather than confining it to the drought-prone areas of Siphofaneni.
摘要：
自给农业向市场化生产转变一直是全球南方许多国家的政策焦点,包括埃斯瓦蒂尼王国。尽管农业商业化作为埃斯瓦蒂尼农村地区的发展战略继续受到欢迎，仍然缺乏科学证据证明其在减轻农村贫困以及对农村生计和福利的贡献方面的有效性。这项研究旨在通过探索埃斯瓦蒂尼农村农业商业化的社会经济影响，为“农业商业化和贫困”辩论做出贡献。该研究的主要发现之一是商业化项目（在Siphofaneni）提高了收入水平，收入来源,以及Siphofaneni农村人口的就业机会。获得食物和食物消费模式(进餐频率和饮食)也得到了改善。研究得出的结论是，农业商业化改善了Siphofaneni农村家庭的福利成果，并降低了某些家庭的贫困水平。该研究及时做出了贡献，为该国农业商业化项目在改善埃斯瓦蒂尼人民生活条件方面的作用和贡献提供了一些启示。研究建议埃斯瓦蒂尼政府将该项目扩展到该国其他粮食短缺和贫困的农村地区，而不是将其限制在Siphofaneni干旱多发地区。
