Service Contract No 2007 / 147-446 Strategic ... - Swaziland

Reduce electricity costs by adopting a more flexible tariff structure, and usingenergy-saving methods and practices:The SEC approved a tariff for growers using pumps with not more than 100 KVAcapacity, intended to reduce energy cost for farmers. Most FAs are not able to benefitfrom this as their pumps exceed the threshold. Others are not aware of the SEC’sTime of Use Tariff.A task team coordinated by the SSA has been established to engage the SEC on theoptimisation of tariff structures. In addition, educating farmers on energy saving ispart of SSA extension service training, in which the SEC covers electricity-saving tipsfor growers.Develop road and bridge infrastructure so as to reduce transport costs andinvestigate options to provide a transport subsidy for farmers outside a certainradius:Financed under the ECAM, the Siphofaneni-St Phillips-Maphobeni Road, SiphofaneniBridge, Mananga-Sihhoye Road, and Dvokolwako Bridge Road are being upgraded.Other road improvements will be included in the 2011-2013 MIP, based on a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to be commissioned by the RDMU. The project will also lookat the improvement of infield roads, to reduce maintenance costs to growers.The Ministry of Public Works and Transport has developed a road maintenance plan,which will cover the new roads/bridges under the NAS.The Millers provide, at their own discretion, transport subsidies to long distancegrowers.Enhance the contribution of women as smallholder sugar farmers:A key issue relating to the NAS is gender mainstreaming, gender equity and genderempowerment. The RDMU commissioned a report considering this, whichrecommended gender mainstreaming to ensure that the essential needs andpriorities of women are incorporated in the design, implementation and monitoring ofall programmes 31 .Women are usually affected in terms of their inequitable power relations with men,resulting in deprivation in terms of access and control over resources and workloadsharing. Greater income through sugar cane production should enhance women’sstatus and capacity to access and control services and assets; traditionally this willimpact on power relations within the family. On the other hand, the situation willimprove the quality of life of families as women are likely to spend a significantproportion of the additional income on the welfare of the whole family. Participationin FAs will improve the capacity of men and women to engage in development issuesand bring positive transformation.Prevent/reduce social conflicts:Through training, enhance positive contributions from traditional authorities;designate areas for development.31 RDMU (2008e).RDMU (Strategic Environmental Assessment of the National Adaptation Strategy) - Page 62