The Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho recently held a one-day stakeholders’ meeting which was meant to share research ideas amongst the stakeholders and discuss the best possible measures that would allow smooth implementation of Regional Center of Leadership in (RCoL) horticulture while identifying the challenges hindering progress and the possible solutions. The meeting was officially opened by the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Advocate Mmole K’humalo in Maseru district. The Principal Secretary expressed gratitude to the participants for availing themselves. He thanked World bank for funding APPSA and Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa for good coordination of this initiative. Advocate K’humalo indicated that Lesotho is establishing a center of Leadership in Horticulture based farming system and highlighted that the commitment by all stakeholders would make this a success. He further mentioned that horticulture-based farming system has been chosen by Lesotho based on its potential to increase in yields and income.
Presentations and panel discussions on horticulture-based farming system issues that came out of group discussions.
APPSA-Lesotho project manager Mr Mabusetsa Makau gave a summary of APPSA initiative. He highlighted that this initiative was first implemented in both West and East regions of Africa before being introduced to the first phase countries in Southern Africa in 2013. Mr. Makau mentioned that Lesotho and Angola started implementation of the programme in 2019. The project manager further explained APPSA components and their roles. He pleaded with the stakeholders to do their best so that APPSA becomes a success.
Lesotho National Farmers’ Union (LENAFU) executive director Mr. Khotso Lepheana indicated that farmers need support in several ways. Mr. Lepheana explained that research should be effective so that farmers do not experience unnecessary challenges. He emphasized that mechanized farming is needed by farmers in Lesotho to save time and loses in production. LENAFU Executive Director asserted that the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) should make area suitability maps accessible to farmers as this will inform them of the commodities ideal in their different locations. He also pleaded with APPSA-Lesotho and DAR to conduct studies regarding prevalence of pests and diseases and produce compendium accordingly.
Group discussions on production of specific horticulture commodities, their challenges and possible solutions.
There were discussion and presentations from break-out groups formed during this meeting. These groups focused on several horticultural commodities such as fruit trees, potatoes, and peppers. The challenges that hinder smooth research undertakings were presented and discussed. The opportunities for possible research activities were identified more especially regarding fruit trees and vegetables. It was apparent from the presentations that farmers should avoid working in silos to produce sustainably and get reliable market.
Over fifty (50) participants took part in this APPSA-Lesotho stakeholders’ meeting. These included Extension Services, Academic Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Farmer representatives, Private Sector, Representatives from relevant Departments and Ministries.
Source: Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) of Lesotho
