News
Lesotho Faces Growing Food and Water Crisis: Climate Report Calls for Urgent Action
…Subjected to annual loss of over US$57,000 due to deteriorating agricultural land Lesotho’s agriculture and water sectors are under severe threat from climate change, according to the recently published Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) for Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture and Water report. The report, which assesses the country’s vulnerabilities and proposes technological interventions, warns of…
Lesotho’s Climate Change Policy: A Plan That Must Not Be Forgotten
OP-ED As the world grapples with the growing threats of climate change, Lesotho finds itself on the frontlines of a crisis that is disrupting agriculture, depleting water resources, and threatening livelihoods. With unpredictable rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures, it is clear that the impact of climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is…
Invasive Worm Species Threatens Agricultural Production in Lesotho
The district of Leribe is grappling with an invasive worm species that is causing alarm among sorghum farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, through its Department of Crops, has confirmed the presence of these destructive pests. The outbreak was first reported in the Likhetlane area a fortnight ago. Local farmers raised…
Lesotho Advances Water Security with Major Infrastructure and Smart Metering
Lesotho is making significant strides in strengthening its water infrastructure, with major projects advancing to improve access, efficiency, and sustainability. This progress was the key focus of the annual Water Sector Coordinator Meeting held in Maseru by the Ministry of Natural Resources in commemoration of World Water Day which is marked on March 22 annually….
Advancing Agricultural Research with a New Tissue Culture Laboratory
The Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art plant tissue culture laboratory, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at supplying the agricultural sector with locally adapted seed varieties. Funded by the African Partnership Programme for Sustainable Agriculture (APPSA), the facility, set to launch in June, is situated on the grounds of the Lesotho…
Lesotho Seeks Greater Investment from the Common Fund for Commodities
Lesotho has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) in a bid to secure increased investments that could transform its agricultural sector and contribute to poverty alleviation. During a visit to the CFC Secretariat in Amsterdam, H.E. Mantoetsi Mohatonyane, Lesotho’s Ambassador to the Netherlands and Belgium, engaged in…
Agriculture to Benefit From The African Development Bank’s USD331 Million Investment
Lesotho’s agricultural sector is set for a major transformation following the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) announcement of a USD331 million (Over M6 billion) investment under its 2025-2030 Country Strategy Paper. This investment will focus on agriculture, food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience, positioning the sector as a key driver of economic growth and sustainability….
Young Innovators Tackle Post-Harvest Losses with Solar Cooling Technology
In a world pushing for clean and affordable energy solutions, innovation has become the backbone of progress. Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2012, global efforts have been focused on fostering solutions that address critical issues like food security and energy efficiency. One such trailblazer making waves in Lesotho is Mpho…
It’s All Systems Go for the 2025 Mzansi Young Farmers’ Indaba!
With just days to go, the highly anticipated 2025 Mzansi Young Farmers’ Indaba is set to bring together the brightest young minds in agriculture for two days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and inspiration. Hosted by Food for Mzansi at the Lavender Kontrei Market in Pretoria North on 1 and 2 April, this event is the ultimate…
Farmers Raise Alarm Over Rising Bluetongue Cases
Farmers across the country’s highlands are sounding the alarm over a surge in Bluetongue disease, known locally as Boloutomo, which is spreading rapidly among livestock in Quthing, Mohale’s Hoek, and Maseru. Reports from affected farmers indicate that the viral infection, which primarily targets sheep, is spreading at an alarming rate. Richard Bullet, a farmer from…
96 Farmers from the South Secure SADP Grants in Competitive Selection
A total of 96 smallholder farmers from the southern region have secured financial grants under the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II), marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to boost food production and agricultural resilience. The selected farmers, drawn from Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, and Qacha’s Nek, were chosen from a competitive…