UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF SOCIAL PROTECTION INTERVENTIONS IN ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ESWATINI

Food security is affected by social security programmes in numerous developing countries such as Eswatini. The findings revealed a strong role of social protection programmes like food assistance, cash transfers and agricultural support, especially in terms of community resilience and sustainable food systems as well as in promoting socioeconomic development in Eswatini. The study used mixed method approach employing quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews within its sample population of would-be beneficiaries, policy makers and stake holders. Proportions of the study's results revealed that most household sizes in Eswatini are between 3 and 6 individuals. Most of the participants had secondary level of education (40%) and 30% had attended tertiary level, meaning it is a quit educated sample. It is worth mentioning because it affects their knowledge and use of social security measures. Study results indicate social protection is highly effective at enhancing food security, reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth among households. Programs designers should consider an intentional focus on social protection interventions to the most vulnerable in any given community to yield immediate food security, reduced scarcity induced coping strategies and promote sustained agricultural pursuit and diversification. Thus, social protection programmes combined with sustainable agriculture guidelines have the potential to generate a combined influence in this case towards more resilient food systems and an inclusive socio-economic development. These findings provide crucial insights for policy maker and development practitioner aiming to design effective social security intervention that is in line with sustainable development goals in Eswatini. Keywords: Unlocking, Social Protection, Sustainable Food Systems, and Socio-Economic Development