Donor-Funded Agriculture Projects Uplift Lesotho’s Rural Economy

…Over M550 million grants and loans mobilised in the last three years Agriculture remains the heartbeat of Lesotho’s rural economy, and while government allocations provide foundational support, it is externally funded agricultural projects that are driving most of the sector’s meaningful transformation. The Consolidated Budget Report for 2025/2026 reveals that over M400 million worth of…

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UN Flags Lesotho’s Persisting Food Security Crisis

Lesotho continues to grapple with deepening food insecurity and widespread malnutrition, despite national strategies aimed at tackling hunger, a recent United Nations report said. The report has raised red flags over the country’s persistent failure to ensure food and nutrition security, especially for vulnerable populations. Compiled by the UN Country Team, the report reveals that…

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Lesotho’s Poultry Dreams Grounded

…As USDA cancels the USD13.4 STEPS project A sudden and unexpected decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to cancel all existing grants under its Food for Progress program has directly hit the heart of ambitious Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) project, leaving Lesotho’s food security and the livelihoods…

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Agriculture’s M10.6 million Revenue Footprint in Lesotho

In the previous financial year the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition projects to generate over M10.6 million in direct revenues. This was revealed by the 2025/2026 Consolidated Budget Report which recorded a growing recognition of the Agriculture sector’s potential to generate meaningful income through value chain development, livestock trade, and exports, strengthening the…

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Tracking Lesotho’s Agricultural Growth

…Farmers accessing subsidised seeds and fertilizers increased by 15 The agricultural sector in Lesotho is on a cautious yet promising path of transformation, as shown in the 2025/2026 Consolidated Budget Report. Despite persisting structural and climatic challenges, several initiatives have recorded measurable progress — from increased land under cultivation to revived investments in irrigation and…

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Smart Chickens? Lesotho Student’s AI Innovation Could Transform Poultry Farming

A remarkable fusion of agriculture and artificial intelligence, a student at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is breaking new ground with a home-grown, high-tech solution that promises healthier chickens and smarter farming. Mangange Mpobole, a forward-thinking innovator, has developed an AI-powered poultry monitoring system that could redefine how farmers care for their birds. His…

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Mohale’s Hoek Vegetable Farmers Reap Big with Best Practices

Mohale’s Hoek is a district often associated with subsistence farming and unpredictable weather patterns, but a quiet agricultural revolution is underway. Vegetable farmers in Mohale’s Hoek, under the guidance of the Lesotho National Farmers Union (LENAFU), are transforming their operations using Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the results are inspiring. A case study conducted by…

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SADP II Thrives as Funders Conduct Vital Support Mission

The Second Phase of the Smallholder Agricultural Development Project (SADP II) recently hosted its funders for a critical support mission, an exercise deemed essential for maintaining the momentum of the project and ensuring its alignment with strategic development goals. Speaking on the purpose of the visit, SADP II Communications Specialist, Malefetsane Raliengoane, explained that the…

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