A total of 96 smallholder farmers from the southern region have secured financial grants under the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to boost food production and agricultural resilience.
The selected farmers, drawn from Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, and Qacha’s Nek, were chosen from a competitive pool of 627 applicants.
The project, funded by the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is dedicated to promoting climate-smart agriculture, increasing commercialisation, and improving dietary diversity.
According to SADP II Grants Matching Officer Tankiso Mothae, this funding will support farmers in enhancing their operations by providing financial assistance for critical agricultural infrastructure.
“The grants range from M200,000.00 to M1,500,000.00, and each applicant must contribute at least 30 per cent of the requested amount, while SADP II covers the remaining 70 per cent,” Mothae explained.
He further emphasised that only farmers who already have some infrastructure in place will be considered, as the aim is to ensure sustainable expansion rather than starting projects from scratch.
The enthusiasm from farmers has been overwhelming, particularly among women and youth, who are showing a strong commitment to revitalising Lesotho’s agricultural sector. Matching Grants Officer Relebohile Khathibe acknowledged this growing participation. “We have noticed a remarkable presence of young people and women in this application process. While we don’t yet have exact statistics, their involvement is clearly visible, and it’s encouraging to see them take charge in food security initiatives,” he said.
SADP II is in its final round of grant funding, with the goal of supporting 450 smallholder farmers across the country.
The project has already assisted numerous farmers through skills training, modern farming techniques, and funding to help them transition from subsistence to commercial farming.
One of the successful applicants, Mosikong Chafola, a vegetable farmer from Mafeteng, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the support.
“This grant is a game changer for my farm. It will allow me to invest in protective structures and other essentials to move from small-scale farming to a fully operational commercial business,” she said.
SADP II’s Matching Grants Program will conclude in 2026, leaving behind a transformed agricultural landscape.
Since its inception, the project has awarded 54 general grants in the first round, 173 in the second, 63 youth grants, and six lead firm grants.
With the latest batch of 96 farmers, the program continues to lay the groundwork for a future where Lesotho is not just food-secure but thriving in agricultural sustainability.
