News

…Lesotho’s Agriculture Sector Buckles Under Rising Costs Lesotho’s farmers are no longer just battling droughts and disease; their biggest fight is now at the fuel pump. A steep rise in fuel prices, driven by global tensions in the Middle East, is sending shockwaves through the country’s agricultural sector, raising production costs, squeezing profits, and threatening…

Despite Lesotho’s position as the “Water Tower of Southern Africa” and ongoing investment in major water infrastructure, thousands of rural households still wake up to dry taps. This tension between national capacity and local access took centre stage at the World Water Day commemoration held in Mafeteng on 10 April 2026, where government officials and…

…Lesotho imported over US$9.5 million worth of fertilisers in 2024 For farmers, the cost of war is not measured in headlines, but in inputs. It shows up in the price of fertiliser, in delayed shipments and in the growing uncertainty of whether the next planting season will be viable. The ongoing conflict between Iran and…

Lesotho’s livestock sector is under renewed threat after an outbreak of African Horse Sickness (AHS) claimed the lives of 67 horses, raising urgent concerns over disease control, animal movement and the country’s overall biosecurity readiness. The outbreak, confirmed by Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Thabo Mofosi in Parliament this week, has already spread…

…Armed forces mum as politicians continue moving livestock Lesotho’s fight to contain foot-and-mouth disease is being undermined in plain sight. Even as authorities impose strict bans on livestock movement and gatherings, cattle racing competitions continue across parts of the country, organised by popular politicians, raising alarm among officials, farmers and industry stakeholders. The country recently…

A sharp rise in fuel prices has sparked concern over Lesotho’s food security, with former Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro warning that the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict could threaten future harvests. “The US elects its president in 2024, and he takes office in January 2025. In just over a year, missiles rain down on the Middle…

Lungile Maseela The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced a nationwide action plan to contain an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which has so far infected more than 10 cattle across Lesotho. Speaking at a recent press conference, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Thabo Mofosi, said the country had not…

… Marks Milestone in Smart Farming Rain Farm celebrated a remarkable journey with the Second Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II) at Ha Makhalanyane with ululations, songs, poems, and smiles. The event brought together the Makhalanyane community, Sekete Primary students, and farmers from across Lesotho, marking the achievements of Rasekoala’s farming venture. “I grew up…

Chairperson of the Social Cluster Portfolio Committee, who also serves as the Chair of Chairpersons in Parliament, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, has called on the government to stop procuring farming inputs. Makhalanyane, the Member of Parliament for Mokhethoaneng Constituency No. 27, made the remarks during the Committee of Supply debate on the 2026/2027 Estimates of Expenditure from…

… LNDC refutes this, claiming the facility is merely relocating … Ministry of Agriculture is unaware of either closure or relocation Barely five years into operations, Maluti Fresh Produce Market is reportedly facing closure, a decision that is likely to directly affect local fresh-produce farmers. According to insider information obtained by this reporter, the Lesotho…