News
Matlanyane Touts Agricultural Resilience Amid Funding Crisis
In her Mid-Term Budget Review speech, Finance Minister Dr Retselisitsoe Matlanyane expressed cautious optimism for Lesotho’s agricultural sector, highlighting a significant recovery from a recent downturn while simultaneously addressing major funding shortfalls that threaten long-term progress. The Minister outlined a multi-faceted government strategy centred on climate resilience, youth empowerment, and environmental sustainability as cornerstones of…
Cracks and Opportunities in Lso’ Pork Value Chain
On 13 November 2025, farmers, butchers, and traders from across Lesotho gathered at Mojalefa Lephole Victory Hall to discuss ways to revive the country’s struggling pork value chain. Hosted by the Department of Marketing under the Ministry of Agriculture, the forum brought together producers and buyers who seldom meet in the same room, creating a…
Opportunity Rises as Women and Youth Drive Piggery Growth
The growing demand for pork, combined with low domestic production, is creating new opportunities for women and youth farmers who are steadily reshaping Lesotho’s piggery sector. Across the country, pig farming is emerging as an unexpected yet promising source of income, particularly in rural communities where unemployment remains high. With Lesotho heavily reliant on imported…
Mpati’s Rise From Desperation to Determination
At 46, Mpati Makotoko could have succumbed to the challenges life presented and allowed them to define her. Instead, she transformed despair into opportunity, and today, Sunshine Poultry Farm stands as a thriving business in Sebothoane Ha Monki in the Leribe district. She describes her business as a symbol of hope, resilience and an empowerment…
Heavy Snowfall Leaves Young Farmer Counting Losses and Mental Strain
Behind Lesotho’s fertile fields lies a silent yet urgent crisis: farmers’ mental health. Natural hazards, climate change, financial strain, livestock theft, and crop failures take a psychological toll on farmers, yet few forums exist to address their struggles. During the winter season, a heavy snowfall in the country’s highlands left farmers grappling with more than…
A Farmer’s Struggle Against Climate Change-Induced Wind Damage
Sejakhosi Lefisa, a young and determined farmer from Mabita Finest Farm in Thabana Mokhele, Butha-Buthe, recently confronted the harsh reality of climate change when strong winds tore down the shade nets protecting his tomato crops. At 1,600 metres above sea level, Butha-Buthe’s northern district is no stranger to weather extremes, but this incident left Lefisa…
56 Graduates From SADP II Project
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…
SADP II Youth Inputs Programme Gains Momentum
…40 young farmers receives inputs as Government Pushes to Empower 1,000 Young Farmers The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition has intensified its youth empowerment agenda by distributing agricultural inputs to 40 young representatives in Maseru. This initiative is part of a national programme aiming to support 1,000 youth across the country. Under the…
The Struggle and Joy of Farming in Thaba-Tseka When Climate Becomes the Toughest Boss
The dawn breaks slowly over the jagged mountains of Thaba-Tseka. Mist coils over the valleys like smoke and the early light paints the terraced hills in shades of gold and green. It’s a breath-taking view from the eyes of a visitor, but for those who farm this rugged landscape, beauty often hides a deeper struggle….
Lesotho Faces Mounting Food Crisis as One in Five Households Go Hungry
… Estimated 334,000 people to face more crisis by March 2026 …2024/2025 Maize yield dropped by nearly 20 percent More than a quarter of a million Basotho are currently facing hunger, with the situation expected to worsen as the lean season approaches. According to the Lesotho Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) Acute Food Insecurity Analysis, released…
Market Before Production Roundtable Unite Farmers
Farmers, entrepreneurs and agribusiness partners recently came together for a roundtable discussion under the theme, “Market Before Production”, calling for a shift from traditional farming toward a more coordinated and demand-driven approach. The discussion, facilitated by the district’s Department of Marketing with the support from the Smallholder Agricultural Development Project (SADP II), gathered crop producers…