How AI Is Powering Predictive Farming in Lesotho
For many farmers, uncertainty has always been part of agriculture, be it about rainfall, soil…
Cattle Racing Defies Ban Amid Foot-and-Mouth Crisis
…Armed forces mum as politicians continue moving livestock Lesotho’s fight to contain foot-and-mouth disease is being undermined in plain sight. Even as authorities impose strict bans on livestock movement and gatherings, cattle racing competitions continue across parts of the country, organised by popular politicians, raising alarm among officials, farmers and industry stakeholders. The country recently…
How AI Is Powering Predictive Farming in Lesotho
For many farmers, uncertainty has always been part of agriculture, be it about rainfall, soil conditions, pests, or ultimately whether a crop will survive. But a new wave of agri-tech innovation is beginning to change that. In Lesotho, a growing number of farmers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to make more precise, data-driven decisions, aiming…
Climate-Smart Innovation Puts Lesotho in the Spotlight Despite BRICS+ Setback
Lesotho’s emerging innovation landscape received both a reality check and a moment of recognition at the 4th BRICS+ Innovation Summit, where youth-led solutions from across developing economies competed on a global stage. Although the country did not rank among the top-performing nations, a local climate-smart agriculture initiative secured a place among the top three, highlighting…
Edited Grapevine DNA Boosts Resistance to Disease and Drought, Study Finds
Researchers at Stellenbosch University have published new findings demonstrating that targeted DNA editing in grapevines can significantly improve their resistance to both disease and drought, marking a major step forward for plant biotechnology in Africa. The study explored how grapevines respond to environmental stress and infection by using gene-editing tools to modify specific genes associated…
Horse Sickness Outbreak Kills 67
Lesotho’s livestock sector is under renewed threat after an outbreak of African Horse Sickness (AHS) claimed the lives of 67 horses, raising urgent concerns over disease control, animal movement and the country’s overall biosecurity readiness. The outbreak, confirmed by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Thabo Mofosi in Parliament this week, has already spread…
Fuel Shock Raises Alarm Over Lesotho’s Food Security
A sharp rise in fuel prices has sparked concern over Lesotho’s food security, with former Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro warning that the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict could threaten future harvests. “The US elects its president in 2024, and he takes office in January 2025. In just over a year, missiles rain down on the Middle…
Lesotho Activates National Plan to Contain FMD Outbreak
Lungile Maseela The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a nationwide action plan to contain an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which has so far infected more than 10 cattle across Lesotho. Speaking at a recent press conference, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Thabo Mofosi, said the country had not…
Fruit farming gains ground as CAFI scales up horticulture incubation
Seabata Mahao A new wave of opportunity is opening up for farmers and agribusinesses in Lesotho as the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project rolls out the second cohort of its deciduous fruit horticultural incubation programme. The expansion comes as the Government of Lesotho continues to position agriculture as a key driver of economic growth…
Free Digital Platform Launched to Support Farmers Across Lesotho
In a bid to strengthen agricultural productivity and knowledge-sharing, Thuso Initiative has introduced a free digital platform designed to support crop and livestock farmers throughout Lesotho. The initiative provides farmers with access to agricultural advice, learning resources, and practical guidance tailored to local conditions, and is available in both Sesotho and English to ensure wide…
Rain Farm Graduates from SADP II
… Marks Milestone in Smart Farming Rain Farm celebrated a remarkable journey with the Second Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II) at Ha Makhalanyane with ululations, songs, poems, and smiles. The event brought together the Makhalanyane community, Sekete Primary students, and farmers from across Lesotho, marking the achievements of Rasekoala’s farming venture. “I grew up…
26 Mokhotlong Farmers Graduate from Field School Programme
The Smallholder Agricultural Development Project II (SADP II), in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Research under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, has awarded certificates to 26 members of the Itjareng Farmers Field School in Mokhotlong after three years of training. The graduation marked a significant milestone, highlighting the farmers’ journey of…
Makhalanyane pushes for policy shift on farming inputs procurement
Chairperson of the Social Cluster Portfolio Committee, who also serves as the Chair of Chairpersons in Parliament, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, has called on the government to stop procuring farming inputs. Makhalanyane, the Member of Parliament for Mokhethoaneng Constituency No. 27, made the remarks during the Committee of Supply debate on the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure from…
