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…
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…
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…
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…
From nutritional benefits to economic potential, Dr. Pulane Nkhabutlane is championing the soybean as a “super bean” capable of transforming the welfare of Basotho and the broader Southern African region. Working in collaboration with Professor Motlatsi Morojele, an agronomist, and Dr. Moleboheng Lekota, a plant pathologist, the team initiated a soybean research project in 2022…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
