On 13 November 2025, farmers, butchers, and traders from across Lesotho gathered at Mojalefa Lephole Victory Hall to discuss ways to revive the country’s struggling pork value chain. Hosted by the Department of Marketing under the Ministry of Agriculture, the forum brought together producers and buyers who seldom meet in the same room, creating a unique opportunity for collective reflection on the scarcity of local pork and the actions needed to address it.
Marketing Manager, ’Malehlomela Thakabanna, opened the discussions by acknowledging the contradictions within the sector. “There is no pork in the markets, yet we have pork producers,” she stated, highlighting the need for a coordinated response to long-standing challenges. She expressed the ministry’s desire to see improved production and more consistent supplies, even if farmers can only contribute small volumes. “This forum aims to identify the challenges, determine the assistance farmers need, and bring that support closer to you so we can grow our local pork market together.”
The meeting emphasised the widening gap between the rising national demand for pork and the limited number of active participants in the value chain. Farmers were encouraged to consider the ministry’s 2024–2027 strategy, which promotes the commercialisation of pork enterprises. Presenting an overview of livestock production, ’Makutse Likopo from the livestock department urged farmers to expand their output, arguing that Lesotho’s high altitude provides a unique advantage, resulting in pork that is generally free of illnesses and considered safe for consumption. She stressed that meaningful growth would require cooperation among producers, traders, and the government.
Officials from the Department of Marketing affirmed their commitment to ensuring that locally raised pork reaches the market. Nyane Thabana, assistant marketing officer, informed participants that the ministry plans to collaborate closely with the private sector to secure reliable buyers for farmers. “I encourage you to produce more—not only for consumption but also for sale—so you can create jobs, become traders, and grow Lesotho’s pork industry,” she said. She also highlighted ongoing challenges, including insufficient production, high selling prices that suppress demand, frequent disease outbreaks, limited access to finance, and a shortage of training workshops. She noted that market access remains one of the sector’s weakest links.
Representing the Project Development initiative, Vuka Tsabo, the Horizontal Alliance Officer with the SADP II introduced the Horizontal Alliances Sub-Component, which aims to strengthen farmer groups and help them build economies of scale. The initiative, he said, supports pig farmers through matching grants, technical assistance, training on best practices, mentorship, value addition, and market linkage support. According to Tsabo, organised farmer groups have a better chance of accessing services and entering commercial partnerships that can sustain long-term profitability.
While the forum highlighted opportunities, it also revealed significant cracks within the value chain. Pork Chops Association chairperson Bokang Molelle expressed concern over low production levels in the sector. The association has set a target for every district to produce at least 10 pigs, creating a national pool of 100 pigs; however, Molelle admitted that this plan has not yet come to fruition. He urged farmers to join the association, emphasising that collective effort is essential for stabilising the industry.
The discussion also highlighted the frustrations of pig farmers. Speaking on behalf of producers, ’Malefa Makhobalo pointed out the lack of formalised and affordable breeding stock, unreliable buyers, and a growing preference among traders to import pork. “There are no buyers because they prefer to import pork, leaving us with no business,” she said. She urged fellow farmers to return home and resume production with urgency, arguing that noticeable progress in the next five months would strengthen their case when demanding better market access.
Participants agreed that progress will require more than just dialogue. The forum proposed several next steps, including implementing the ideas discussed, adopting production standards aligned with market requirements, expanding training opportunities, and introducing targeted subsidies to support farmers. The ministry also committed to hosting another forum within three months to assess whether any real improvements have been made.