Horticulture has long been recognised as a potential driver of economic growth and poverty reduction in Lesotho.
With its ability to meet growing food demands and provide income-generating opportunities, the sector holds significant promise, however, despite its potential, smallholder farmers—who form the backbone of Lesotho’s agriculture—face substantial challenges, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted market access.
Recognising these challenges and opportunities, the Government of Lesotho has made a major investment in horticulture through the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project, aiming to transform the sector into a viable engine for economic growth and food security.
CAFI: Strengthening Lesotho’s Agricultural Backbone
The CAFI initiative is a six-year project launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development, and Tourism, funded through a USD45 million (M820 million) loan from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank and an additional USD7.5 million (M130 million) grant, bringing the total investment to $52.5 million (M950 million).
The project’s core goal is to improve access to business support services and financial products for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on women and youth.
A specific component of the project targets the horticulture sector, with an additional $950,000 allocated from the India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) Fund to further strengthen horticultural development.
According to Chaba Mukuku, CAFI Project Manager, the initiative is set to scale up horticultural farming in Lesotho, transitioning it into a formal industry.
“Our goal is to expand from the existing three commercial fruit farms in Mahobong, Leribe, to at least 18 fully operational farms over the next five to six years,” Mukuku revealed.
Creating a National Hub for Horticultural Excellence
To support this ambitious expansion, CAFI has partnered with the National University of Lesotho (NUL) to establish the Lesotho Horticulture Incubation and Training Centre (LHITC) at Mabohong.
The facility, Mokuku said serves as an incubation hub and training centre, helping farmers adopt best practices and climate-smart farming techniques.
“NUL will collaborate with Stellenbosch University—a leader in horticulture education with over a century of expertise—to design and implement training programs. This partnership aims to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance agricultural practices, and introduce modern techniques to local farmers,” he said.
“The LHITC focuses on empowering farmers through skills development, business incubation, and access to extension services. We are currently nurturing our first cohort of seven deciduous fruit farmers and two vegetable farmers, with plans to expand to more participants in the coming months,” Mokuku added.
He revealed that farmers interested in joining the second cohort are invited to apply, with the program aiming to develop a skilled pool of horticulturists capable of running commercial-scale operations.
Unlocking Export Potential and Reducing Import Dependence
“Lesotho’s reliance on imported fruits and vegetables has long posed challenges for both consumers and local farmers, with imported goods often coming at a higher cost and are less reliable in terms of supply,” Mokuku said, noting that CAFI aims to change that by boosting domestic production and tapping into export markets.
He explained that the focus of the horticulture initiative is on deciduous fruit farming, particularly apples, which are well-suited to Lesotho’s climate and can be competitive in regional markets.
“Initial pilot farms funded under the first and second World Bank-funded Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification projects have already proven the commercial viability of deciduous fruit farming in Lesotho, attracting significant investor interest, so, by scaling up production, we can reduce reliance on imports, create jobs, and position Lesotho as a key player in regional fruit markets,” Mukuku stated.
Infrastructure and Land: The Building Blocks for Success
Despite the project’s promising outlook, significant challenges remain, particularly around land access and infrastructure. One of the key obstacles facing commercial horticulture in Lesotho is the availability of suitable land for large-scale farming.
To address this, CAFI is working with local authorities to improve land administration systems, ensuring that farmers have access to adequate land parcels with long-term leasing options.
Transparent leasing frameworks are being developed to facilitate land acquisition for commercial purposes.
Infrastructure investments are also critical to the project’s success. The government is focusing on building and upgrading:
- Irrigation systems to ensure year-round water supply
- Electricity networks to power modern farming equipment
- Road networks to improve market access
- Pack-houses and grading facilities for post-harvest processing
- Phytosanitary inspection systems to meet export requirements
“These infrastructure improvements will make it easier for farmers to operate at a commercial scale and compete in both domestic and international markets,” Mukuku added.
Youth Participation and Community Concerns
While CAFI presents vast opportunities, concerns have emerged regarding the accessibility of the program for young farmers.
The requirements for participation in the horticulture incubation program—including access to at least five hectares of land with proper irrigation, proximity to reliable power sources, and accessible roads—have been criticised as restrictive, particularly for recent graduates and young entrepreneurs.
Matli Semela, a recent agriculture graduate from Leribe, voiced concerns that the land ownership and infrastructure requirements make it difficult for young people to enter the program.
“Most young people don’t have access to large plots of land or the resources needed to meet these requirements,” he explained.
In response, Mukuku clarified that while the criteria may seem stringent, they are essential for ensuring the long-term viability of commercial horticulture ventures.
“We’re not just looking for hobby farms. We aim to create a scalable industry that can contribute significantly to the national economy,” he said.
Mukuku encouraged young farmers to consider forming cooperatives or joining existing farmer groups to pool resources and meet the land and infrastructure requirements. He also emphasised that future project phases may include more accessible entry points for youth and smallholder farmers.
A Sustainable Future for Lesotho’s Agriculture
CAFI’s approach aligns with Lesotho’s broader goal of creating climate-resilient food systems. The project promotes climate-smart agriculture, incorporating techniques that reduce water usage, improve soil health, and increase crop yields despite changing weather patterns.
By introducing modern irrigation systems, advanced farming techniques, and post-harvest technologies, the project aims to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impact.
“Our vision is to make Lesotho a regional leader in horticulture,” Mukuku stated.
Adding, “This project not only addresses food security but also contributes to job creation, rural development, and economic diversification.”
Pathway to Growth and Food Security
As the CAFI initiative gains momentum, its impact on Lesotho’s agricultural landscape is expected to be transformative. By providing farmers with access to modern technologies, training, and financing, Mokuku stressed the project is laying the foundation for a thriving horticulture sector capable of meeting both domestic needs and export demands.
“For many Basotho farmers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, with the potential to improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and ensure food security for generations to come. This is more than just a farming initiative—it’s an economic revolution for Lesotho’s agriculture sector.”
