Lesotho continues to grapple with deepening food insecurity and widespread malnutrition, despite national strategies aimed at tackling hunger, a recent United Nations report said. The report has raised red flags over the country’s persistent failure to ensure food and nutrition security, especially for vulnerable populations. Compiled by the UN Country Team, the report reveals that…
…As USDA cancels the USD13.4 STEPS project A sudden and unexpected decision by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to cancel all existing grants under its Food for Progress program has directly hit the heart of ambitious Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) project, leaving Lesotho’s food security and the livelihoods…
In the previous financial year the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition projects to generate over M10.6 million in direct revenues. This was revealed by the 2025/2026 Consolidated Budget Report which recorded a growing recognition of the Agriculture sector’s potential to generate meaningful income through value chain development, livestock trade, and exports, strengthening the…
…Farmers accessing subsidised seeds and fertilizers increased by 15 The agricultural sector in Lesotho is on a cautious yet promising path of transformation, as shown in the 2025/2026 Consolidated Budget Report. Despite persisting structural and climatic challenges, several initiatives have recorded measurable progress — from increased land under cultivation to revived investments in irrigation and…
A remarkable fusion of agriculture and artificial intelligence, a student at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is breaking new ground with a home-grown, high-tech solution that promises healthier chickens and smarter farming. Mangange Mpobole, a forward-thinking innovator, has developed an AI-powered poultry monitoring system that could redefine how farmers care for their birds. His…
Mohale’s Hoek is a district often associated with subsistence farming and unpredictable weather patterns, but a quiet agricultural revolution is underway. Vegetable farmers in Mohale’s Hoek, under the guidance of the Lesotho National Farmers Union (LENAFU), are transforming their operations using Best Management Practices (BMPs), and the results are inspiring. A case study conducted by…
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has financed AgrInvest, an initiative that stripped bare the real issues of Lesotho’s agriculture sector. At a time when the livelihoods of over 60% of Basotho hinge on agriculture — and yet the sector contributes less than 8% to national GDP — the future of…
The Second Phase of the Smallholder Agricultural Development Project (SADP II) recently hosted its funders for a critical support mission, an exercise deemed essential for maintaining the momentum of the project and ensuring its alignment with strategic development goals. Speaking on the purpose of the visit, SADP II Communications Specialist, Malefetsane Raliengoane, explained that the…
By Topollo Tlali When Masilo Maphutsi first heard the doctor’s advice to reduce sugar intake and opt for honey instead, he had no idea that it would mark the beginning of a life-altering journey. At that time, he was simply seeking a healthier lifestyle, but when he realised how expensive store-bought honey was, a bold…
The grounds of Hlotse Agriculture College in Leribe buzzed with energy on a bright Friday morning as high school students from across the district gathered for a unique and inspiring occasion. Far more than just a fun day out, the event was a vibrant celebration of agriculture, youth, and the promise of a thriving future…
By Lerato Matheka According to the latest Hunger Hotspots: FAO-WFP Early Warnings on Acute Food Insecurity report released last week, Lesotho has been officially removed from the list of countries experiencing acute food insecurity. Lesotho now joins Angola, Kenya, Namibia, and Uganda, which have also shown signs of improvement after previously being identified in warnings….
A quiet agricultural revolution is taking shape in Lesotho’s agriculture landscape. The once-unfamiliar hues of purple cabbage, dark green baby marrow, and fresh cucumbers have now become everyday favourites on vendor stalls. These are no ordinary vegetables—they represent a growing category known as high-value crops, and their increasing popularity is being driven by changing consumer…
