Across the nation, local female farmers are joining forces to establish a thriving agricultural value chain that expands their market access and strengthens their collective presence in Lesotho’s agricultural sector.
This ground-breaking initiative is spearheaded by the organisation Farm Girls, which aims to empower women farmers through collaboration, skill-sharing, and strategic partnerships. By uniting their efforts, these women are not only enhancing their individual enterprises but also fostering a sense of community and purpose among female agriculturalists.
With over 280 members from all ten districts of Lesotho, Farm Girls has become a beacon of hope for women farmers seeking to break away from subsistence farming practices and embrace sustainable agricultural models.
“Robust value chains and enhanced access to markets enable small producers to sell larger quantities of high-quality produce at more competitive prices,” says ‘Maseeng Motaung, a dedicated piggery and poultry farmer who also serves as Farm Girls Administrator.
“By integrating into structured value chains, we are creating opportunities for better incomes and improved livelihoods for us as female farmers and position ourselves in the business of food production,” she said.
The Power of Value Chains
A report by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa underscores the significance of smallholder farmers in Africa, revealing that 64% of the food consumed on the continent comes from smallholder producers, often facilitated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
These SMEs, the report indicates they play an essential role as value chain actors, bridging the gap between producers and consumers through sourcing, processing, packaging, and distributing food.
Further, research indicates that farmers participating in organised value chains enjoy higher incomes, accumulate more assets, and achieve greater productivity and profitability.
“Two primary mechanisms for integrating smallholder farmers into these value chains are contractual agreements with value chain actors and stronger market linkages, and Farm Girls exemplifies this model by focusing on creating a supportive ecosystem where women farmers can thrive,” Motaung noted, adding that through strategic initiatives and collaboration, the organisation is transforming agriculture into a viable livelihood option for women across Lesotho.
Farm Girls: A Model of Collaboration
Since its official registration in March 2023, Motaung said Farm Girls has attracted a diverse membership that represents various agricultural sectors, including poultry, piggery, and crop farming.
One of its standout achievements is the establishment of poultry value chain companies, which have significantly improved members’ incomes, farm yields, and food security.
Under this initiative, a systematic process has been developed:
- Women farmers produce eggs through their parent stock programs.
- These eggs are sold to the Farm Girls Hatchery, which transforms them into chicks.
- The Farm Girls Broilers division raises the chicks into mature chickens, which are then sold directly to consumers as meat.
To further streamline operations, Motaung revealed that Farm Girls is setting up a slaughtering and packaging facility.
“This facility will complete the poultry value chain, ensuring quality control and efficiency while meeting market demands.”
Unity in Action
The spirit of collaboration extends beyond poultry farming, she said noting that members often come together to address supply shortages.
“For instance, when a client places a large order for 100 chickens and one farmer cannot meet the demand, others pool their resources to fulfil the order. This unity not only helps meet market demands but also builds trust and reliability within the group,” the administrator shared.
Ntsoaki Mofao, popularly known as ‘Mamotoho,’ is a proud member known for her refreshing soft wheat porridge.
She highlights the importance of unity; “When we come together, we achieve more. Farming as a group has taught us the value of collaboration in overcoming individual limitations.”
Challenging Gender Norms
The decision to create a women-focused initiative stems from the societal perception that farming is a male-dominated field.
“We grew up believing farming was primarily for men, yet there are many women who are passionate about farming and simply lack access to support or the necessary skills to thrive. We welcome any woman in agriculture to collaborate with us, as we aim to challenge and change this outdated perception and stereotypes.”
“Farm Girls provides a platform for women to defy stereotypes, showcasing their capabilities and leadership in agriculture. By empowering women to take charge of their agricultural ventures, the organisation is fostering a new narrative where women play an integral role in shaping Lesotho’s agricultural future,” Mofao asserted.
Capacity Building and Skill Development
Recognising that skills and resources are critical to success, Motaung revealed that Farm Girls has established a funding scheme to assist members in purchasing essential tools such as shade nets for crop cultivation.
“Additionally, we organise regular training and skill-sharing sessions to enhance members’ agricultural expertise.”
“Beyond individual farming ventures, members engage in block farming activities, which promote dietary diversity and ensure food security. This collective approach allows members to share knowledge, pool resources, and achieve economies of scale, benefiting both their businesses and their communities,” she said.
Annual Gathering: A Celebration of Achievements
On November 8, Farm Girls members gathered at Durham Link in Maseru for their annual celebration.
“This event was a moment of reflection, learning, and motivation, as members shared their successes and discussed strategies for future growth. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of us women farmers working together to build a sustainable agricultural value chain and a confirmation that unity is indeed power,” Motaung noted.
Looking Ahead
She emphasised that Farm Girls is not just a farming initiative but a movement that seeks to transform Lesotho’s agricultural landscape by empowering women, enhancing market access, and fostering sustainable practices.
With plans to expand their operations and establish more value chain facilities, the organisation is paving the way for a brighter future for women in agriculture.
“As we continue to grow, I strongly believe we are a testament to the power of collaboration and are showcasing the potential of women to lead the charge in building a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector, and through our determination and innovation, we are not only transforming our personal lives but are directly contributing to the broader development of Lesotho’s economy,” Motaung said.
