Abstract

The shift from subsistence to market-oriented agriculture is a key policy focus in many global South countries, including Eswatini. Despite the growing popularity of agricultural commercialisation as a rural development strategy, there is a data gap regarding its effectiveness in alleviating rural poverty and enhancing livelihoods. This study addresses this gap by harnessing data to evaluate the socio-economic impacts of agricultural commercialisation in rural Eswatini, thereby contributing to the discourse on ‘agricultural commercialisation and poverty’. Our data-driven findings reveal that the commercialisation project in Siphofaneni has positively impacted income levels, diversified income sources, and created employment opportunities. It has also improved food access and consumption patterns, thereby enhancing the welfare outcomes of rural households and reducing poverty levels for some. This study underscores the role of data in policy-making and provides timely insights into the contribution of Eswatini’s agricultural commercialisation project towards improving living conditions. It highlights the project’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction and sustainable agriculture.