Lesotho is set to take center stage in agricultural research as the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) prepares to present its latest findings on horticultural technologies suited to the country’s unique climatic conditions.
The presentation will be made at the upcoming Regional Scientific Conference on Agricultural Innovation, an event hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition in collaboration with DAR and the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa – Lesotho (APPSA).
The conference, scheduled for April 1-4 at the Lesotho National Convention Centre (‘Manthabiseng) in Maseru, will be co-hosted by the Centre for Coordination of Agriculture Research and Development (CCARDESA), the Agricultural Research Institute of Angola, APPSA Angola, the National University of Lesotho, and the Lesotho Agricultural College.
Under the theme “Investing in Agricultural Research for Sustainable Economic Growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region,” the event aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, development agencies, agro-dealers, and smallholder farmers to explore advancements in agricultural research and technology adoption.
The APPSA project, backed by the World Bank, is a regional program designed to strengthen agricultural research collaboration across Southern Africa. Its goal is to increase access to improved agricultural technologies, helping countries enhance food security and economic development.
According to Monica Lephole, APPSA Coordinator in Lesotho, the conference is expected to attract over 400 participants, including scientists, investors, and smallholder farmers.
“Discussions will cover critical areas such as crop improvement, production systems, postharvest technologies, and socio-economic studies. Farmers will gain insights into recommended horticultural products that are best suited for Lesotho’s agro-climatic conditions,” Lephole told Seahlolo Newspaper.
One of the key focus areas of APPSA Lesotho is the identification of high-yielding potato seed varieties, their adaptability to different soil types, and effective disease management strategies.
Lephole further revealed that researchers are also working on determining optimal fertiliser application rates and assessing suitable types of manure for enhancing productivity.
Beyond potatoes, the program is studying resilient green vegetable varieties, including indigenous crops like papasane and thepe, which have strong nutritional and market potential.
“Research is also underway to explore the commercial viability of crops such as onions, asparagus, and peach trees, particularly in relation to Lesotho’s diverse agro-ecological zones,” she said.
She highlighted that the DAR is conducting these research activities from its main station in Maseru, alongside four regional research stations strategically positioned across Lesotho’s different agro-ecological zones of Mahobong (northern lowlands), Silioe (southern lowlands), Mokhotlong (mountains/highlands) and Nyakosoba (central foothills).
Lephole noted that their collaboration with the National University of Lesotho (NUL) and the Lesotho Agricultural College is playing a pivotal role in the project, helping bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming applications.
“Our primary objective is to develop high-value plant materials that demonstrate yield efficiency, pest and disease resistance, drought tolerance, and strong market viability. Additionally, we aim to strengthen institutional linkages at both local and regional levels for effective technology transfer,” Lephole explained.
APPSA is a multi-country initiative, initially launched in 2013 with Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia as the first participants before expanding into Lesotho and Angola in 2019, with both countries expected to implement the initiative until June 2025.
As part of the conference, regional researchers according to Lephole would present findings from their respective countries, offering recommendations on crops and technologies that can be successfully adopted in Lesotho based on similar climatic conditions.
The conference she said would also serve as a platform to review ongoing APPSA projects, assess progress, and shape the future of horticultural innovation in the region.
