News
Accounting by Day, Farming by Dawn: Lesotho’s Dual Vision
By Relebohile Makhetha Born the only son among daughters in the humble village of Khokhotsaneng, nestled in the St. Michael’s Roma area, Ntaote Ntaote’s journey began in the fields. Life in the village demanded more than just presence—it demanded grit. Herding livestock, ploughing the land, and harvesting crops weren’t occasional chores—they were a rhythm of…
Stakeholders Trained on Food Balance Sheet to Support Evidence-Based Food and Nutrition Policies
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently held a two-weeks training in Maseru aimed at capacitating the Bureau of Statistics (BoS) on compiling and analysing the national Food Balance Sheet (FBS)—a critical statistical framework that captures the total volume of agricultural commodities produced across all sectors. This inaugural training workshop, funded by the FAO and…
The National Dairy Board Prepares for Batch 10, Aims to Expand Dairy Impact
By Relebohile Makhetha The Lesotho National Dairy Board (LNDB) is gearing up to launch its tenth batch of dairy cow acquisitions in 2025—marking a major milestone in its long-standing mission to transform dairy farming in the country. Since 2017, the LNDB has supported local farmers in accessing quality dairy breeds, helping to improve milk production…
Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba: A Homegrown Movement for Inclusive Agriculture
Now in its fourth year, the Mzansi Young Farmers Indaba has grown into more than just an annual event—it’s a living, breathing movement that speaks to the heart of South Africa’s agricultural future. What began as a modest gathering organised in just one month by Food For Mzansi, has evolved into a powerhouse platform for…
Closing the Divide: Why Transformation Must Start with Farmers
At the heart of South Africa’s agricultural transformation lies a question that continues to stir debate: Can organised agriculture truly bridge the historical and structural gap for black farmers? At the recent Food For Mzansi’s Young Farmers Indaba, held at the Lavender Kontrei Market in Pretoria, agricultural leaders, policymakers, and young farmers came together to…
IACoV Celebrates Milestone Year with Vibrant Market Day and Launch into Phase II
The atmosphere at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre was alive with energy and community spirit as the IACoV project celebrated the close of its fourth year. The event, marked by a lively market day, also served as the official launch of Phase II, signalling a renewed commitment to agricultural resilience and food security in Lesotho. Both…
IACoV Project Marks a Milestone in Lesotho’s Sustainable Development Journey
Maseru recently became a beacon of reflection and forward-thinking as the Improving Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable and Food Insecure Populations in Lesotho (IACoV) project hosted its Phase I Endline Symposium as a wrap up of the project in Lesotho. Far more than a wrap-up, the event stood as a celebration of resilience, partnership, and shared…
New Hope for Grain Industry
Scientists in the country are increasingly focused on improving the yields of the main grains; wheat, sorghum, beans, and maize, this emerged at the recent APPSA Scientific Conference, coordinated by CCARDESA, which provided a critical platform for researchers to share their findings and innovations on these staple crops. Among the scientists who took the stage…
Access to Finance for Farmers Remains a Challenge in Lesotho
Despite agriculture being the backbone of the country’s rural economy, access to finance remains one of the most pressing challenges faced by smallholder farmers—particularly those practicing conservation agriculture in districts such as Leribe and Butha-Buthe. Without meaningful access to credit, insurance, and extension services, many Basotho farmers are unable to invest in the technologies and…
CCARDESA Prioritises Women & Youth in Chairperson Election
In a strong signal of inclusion and transformation, the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) has placed women and youth at the forefront of its governance agenda during its fourth General Assembly. The gathering, hosted by Lesotho through the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA), not only elected…
Lesotho’s Wool and Mohair Industry Grows on Strong Ethics and Community
By Molula Mofosi & Lungile Maseela The Lesotho Wool and Mohair Growers Association (LWMGA) recently hosted its national finale show at the Lesotho Agricultural College grounds, drawing in droves of farmers, livestock enthusiasts, buyers, and corporate stakeholders. Held in Maseru, the event was more than just a showcase of livestock—it was a reflection of the…
Railway collapse sends food prices soaring
Staff Reporter Lesotho’s deteriorating railway infrastructure has worsened an already dire food insecurity crisis, driving up costs for staple foods. Disruptions to rail freight services, which have left Lesotho Flour Mills (LFM)—the country’s major milling company—scrambling to cover increased transport costs, come at a time when Lesotho is facing one of its worst food crises…