Empowering Lesotho's Youth Through Agriculture

By Mamoholi Mphutlane

In the heart of Lesotho, a transformative project is promising a greener and more prosperous future for its young population. The Smallholder Agricultural Development Project (SADP II), a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN) with backing from the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is not just changing the agricultural landscape across ten districts, but also empowering the youth of Lesotho to take charge of their future through sustainable farming practices.

A key focus of SADP II is component 2, aimed at improving agricultural commercialization and nutrition. This component has opened doors for the youth of Lesotho to venture into sustainable farming practices through a grant system under sub-component 2.1. Malefetsane Raliengoane, Communication Specialist at the Knowledge Management Office of SADP II, shares that the project has welcomed 80 young grantees into its fold. These ambitious individuals have not only completed an incubation process but have also embarked on a journey of mentorship, with their contracts inked as recently as December 2023. "Our goal is to nurture Basotho youth into becoming commercial farmers. The grants support youth already involved in agri-business, fostering their growth as entrepreneurs in their respective fields," Raliengoane explains.

Among the beneficiaries is Bomo Letsapo, a young and vibrant farmer from Mapotu, Mafeteng district. Letsapo's venture, Mapotu Farm Produce, has significantly boosted crop and vegetable production thanks to the SADP II grant. In 2021, driven by a desire to enhance his output, Letsapo sought the expertise of Agricultural Extension Officers and successfully secured a grant aimed at expanding his vegetable cultivation. "The grant has been a game-changer, allowing me to consider building a borehole to improve irrigation," Letsapo reveals. His remarkable journey in agri-business started with a 24mx30m area of land for vegetable production and expanded to 12mx30m for vegetable production and 102 acres for maize production. This enabled him to contribute to household needs by not only supporting his family but also creating employment opportunities within his community. He produces cabbage, butternut, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, and watermelons. 

Vegetables grown in shade net at Mapotu, Mafeteng

Despite the progress, Letsapo acknowledges challenges such as pests, disease, fluctuating market demands, and the impact of climate change. However, his commitment to learning and improvement remains unwavering. Through workshops facilitated by SADP II, he has gained valuable insights into seedling production, pest and disease management, financial stewardship, and effective marketing strategies. His efforts have borne fruit, enabling him to supply a wide range of produce to individuals, retail stores, and supermarkets, as well as participate in market days organized by MAFSN in collaboration with SADP II.

Letsapo envisions a sustainable and thriving farming business, a dream he is keen to share with other young farmers. "Passion and hard work are essential. I urge my peers to embrace these virtues to elevate their farming businesses," he advises, hopeful for the future of agriculture in Lesotho. Through the collective efforts of the SADP II and the tenacity of young farmers like Letsapo, Lesotho is sowing the seeds of agricultural innovation and sustainability, promising a bountiful harvest for generations to come.
The author is a Principal Agriculture Information Officer in Lesotho and a CCARDESA Information, Communication & Knowledge Management (ICKM) focal point person.