The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Nutrition’s Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II) celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of 56 farmers from the country for completing an intensive capacity-building programme designed to transform smallholder agriculture into a commercially viable sector.
The event, held at Blue Mountain Inn, brought together farmers, government officials, financial institutions, development partners, and private-sector representatives, reflecting a united commitment to strengthening Lesotho’s agricultural economy.
During the ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Nutrition Thabo Mofosi remarked that the graduation symbolised not only the successful completion of training but also the dawn of a new era of resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth in Lesotho’s food production landscape. “I wish to extend my appreciation to all farmers; you are the backbone of our nation’s economy. Your dedication, resilience, and innovation are vital for food production,” he stated.
Mofosi emphasised that SADP II was specifically designed to empower smallholder farmers by enhancing productivity and improving livelihoods. He noted that the programme has already led to visible transformations, including the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, the strengthening of farmer organisations, improved market access, increased commercialisation, job creation, better nutrition, and significant empowerment of women.
Farmers from various value chains shared their experiences, successes, and challenges.
Representatives from piggery, broiler production, vegetable farming, meat processing, milling, dairy, layers, and ram breeding recounted the evolution of their enterprises with the support of SADP II. Many urged the government to consider extending the project to benefit more farmers.
From the broiler category, Mpati Makotoko of Sunshine Poultry Farm expressed deep gratitude to SADP II for enabling them to expand their operations. “We managed to increase the number of chickens we rear, and we have been mentoring youth on proper slaughtering techniques,” she said. She added that the support allowed their farm to diversify into crop production to supply local schools under the school-feeding programme.
A representative from River Site Farm, speaking on behalf of piggery farmers, highlighted that the project has significantly alleviated poverty and hunger within communities. “The farm now employs 32 workers, all paid according to labour laws. As the farm continues to grow, it will employ even more,” the representative stated.
Following this, a panel discussion featured representatives from First National Bank, Nedbank, Standard Lesotho Bank, PostBank, and LNIG-Holland, focusing on financial inclusion, credit access, and banking requirements for farmers. First National Bank’s Mateboho Makara stressed the importance of record-keeping and legal registration.
“Farmers should adopt a saving mentality to protect their farms. A registered farm with well-organised records gives banks the confidence to extend support,” she explained.
Private sector companies, including Econo Foods, Shoprite, Foso Hardware, and Farm Fresh, discussed their involvement in agricultural commercialisation and reiterated their interest in sourcing quality produce from local farmers. Representatives emphasised the need for farmers to meet strict quality, safety, and packaging standards to compete effectively.
The ceremony also featured remarks from development partners, including the World Bank and IFAD. Daniel Gerber from the World Bank encouraged the graduates to view this moment as the beginning of their business journey. “You are graduating from the project as business owners fully equipped for the future. I hope to see your enterprises thriving in the next two years,” he said.
IFAD’s Emerson Zhou commended the farmers for their perseverance and urged them to become ambassadors of climate-smart agriculture. “You are the new generation of farmers supported to produce amidst the realities of climate change. The knowledge you have gained should be shared with others to enhance food production in Lesotho,” he remarked.
During the certificate presentation, Minister Mofosi announced that the owner of Blue Mountain Inn expressed interest in purchasing products from the graduates for the remainder of the year — a gesture welcomed as immediate market access for the new graduates. The minister also addressed farmers’ concerns raised during the event, including the necessity for milling companies to enter contractual agreements with farmers to stabilise production and market supply. He further assured farmers that the electricity challenges affecting agricultural enterprises would be addressed.
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