News
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…
Leribe High Schools Gear Up for 2025 Agric Fair
By Kananelo Mokhele Excitement is mounting across the Leribe District as preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 Leribe High Schools Agric Fair nears completion. Scheduled for Friday, May 2nd, the event will take place at the Hlotse Agric College grounds, kicking off at 08:00hrs. This annual event has grown into a cornerstone of agricultural education,…
Agrivision Lesotho Set to Launch with Inaugural Conference
Lesotho’s agricultural landscape is poised for a transformative leap with the official launch of Agrivision Lesotho, a youth-led non-governmental organisation that promises to bring fresh energy and inclusive innovation to the sector. The organisation’s inaugural event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, 2025, and would mark its formal introduction into the nation’s development space. Founded…
Ram Breeders Sound Alarm on Lesotho’s Livestock Import Dependence
By Molula Mofosi & Lungile Maseela A crisis is quietly brewing in Lesotho’s wool and mohair industry—and its roots lie at the country’s borders. The Ram Breeders Association of Lesotho has issued a stark warning about the unchecked importation of Merino sheep and Angora goats from South Africa, a trend they say does not only…
India Extends a Hand of Friendship to Lesotho with Food Aid Donation
In a powerful show of solidarity and international friendship, the Government of India has stepped forward to support Lesotho’s efforts in tackling food insecurity with a generous donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 1,000 metric tonnes of sorghum. Through the donation, India has reaffirmed its longstanding partnership with the Mountain Kingdom. The official…
Restoring Land and Transforming Agriculture: The Impact of ROLL on Basotho Farmers
Lesotho’s agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation as farmers adopt agroecology skills and land restoration techniques to combat environmental degradation and enhance productivity. With years of overgrazing, soil erosion, and climate change negatively impacting the country’s food production, initiatives like the Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods (ROLL) project are playing a crucial role in…
The Impact of Agroecology and the ROLL Project
Farming sustains life in Lesotho, yet years of overgrazing, soil erosion, and climate change have left vast landscapes barren. In response, the Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods (ROLL) project is leading efforts to restore degraded land and secure sustainable farming livelihoods through agroecology. Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented with…