In the tranquil village of Ha Lobiane, Mahobong, nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Leribe district in Lesotho, the rhythm of life pulses with the ebb and flow of agricultural tradition. Here, against a backdrop of emerald fields and azure skies, Matente’s story unfolds—a tale woven with threads of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of partnership.
Matente’s connection to the land runs deep, rooted in the legacy of her parents who toiled the soil with reverence and respect. From a young age, as she observed her parents wake up early enough to make it to the fields on time, her love for farming was gradually growing. However, her path to becoming a farmer was not a straightforward one; it was a journey marked by inner conflict and external pressures.
As a child, Matente viewed farming as an obstacle to her playtime, a barrier that separated her from the laughter and camaraderie of her friends. Yet, as the years passed and she matured into adulthood, her perception began to shift. Armed with a university degree and a burgeoning family of her own, Matente found herself drawn back to the land that had nurtured her roots.
“I fell in love with farming from a tender age, watching my parents feed our family from the food they grew,” Matente reminisces, her voice tinged with nostalgia. “But initially, I resisted it. For me, farming meant sacrificing playtime with friends, and that was a difficult choice to make.”
It wasn’t until later in life, with the responsibilities of adulthood weighing upon her, that Matente felt the call of the land grow stronger. Determined to honor her familial legacy and provide for her loved ones, she donned her gum boots and ventured into the fields, embracing farming as her newfound passion.
Her journey took an unexpected turn when she learned about the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) Project through the Mahobong Resource Centre. Recognizing the opportunity for growth and innovation, Matente eagerly volunteered to participate in the project’s onion cultivation cohort, offering her land as a canvas for agricultural experimentation.
“Joining the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) project marked a significant turning point in my life,” Matente reflects, her eyes alight with gratitude, memories of her journey seemingly flooding her mind. “It wasn’t merely a project; it was a doorway to a realm of possibilities, a gateway to unlocking the full potential of my farming endeavors.”
Under the guidance of the APPSA project and dedicated Extension Officers, Matente embarked on a transformative journey in onion production. From soil preparation to harvest, she immersed herself in the intricacies of cultivation, soaking in knowledge and expertise every step of the way.
“The support from the project was invaluable,” Matente affirms, her voice brimming with appreciation. “They were consistently present to ensure that I was not struggling. This made it easier for me to contact them each time I noticed something amiss with the onion.”
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Lesotho. According to the World Food Programme, about 24.1% of the population lives in extreme poverty, and 580,000 people are food insecure. The country faces high levels of income inequality, with nearly half of its population living in poverty.
Dr. Liphoto, a Lecture at National University of Lesotho – Faculty of Agriculture equates food insecurity to a madman. “We know as Basotho that a madman is tamed by many.” She said this during a Field Day organised by the APPSA project held in Mokhotlong, affirming the importance of multistakeholder approach in addressing food insecurity.
APPSA had organised a Field Day to demonstrate outcomes of their research initiatives to the farmers, research, and academic institutions as well as consumers in the food industry. “This day is not just to demonstrate what to eat, but can it be available, is it filling, can we have it while fresh and on time,” Dr. Liphoto emphasises with a long pause to ensure her remarks hit home.
However, the implementation of APPSA project by the department of Research in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition brings hope to the startling statics of food and nutrition insecurity across Lesotho. Since its inception in 2019, APPSA project has sought to work with a subset of the primary beneficiaries – lead farmers to participate in both the on-station and on-farm trials, technology demonstrations, and training activities.
APPSA has also benefited other stakeholders within the National Agricultural Research System (NARS): agricultural researchers; extension agents and advisory service providers; and seed producers and suppliers. These groups participated in Research & Development projects and training activities, or by using technology and knowledge made available through the Project. At least 30 percent of all lead farmers and others targeted for participation in APPSA activities will be female, which is in line with World Bank requirements.
Today, Matente stands as a testament to the success of the APPSA project, boasting the ability to grow thriving onion fields cultivated under recommended agronomic practices and close monitoring of pests and diseases control. The skills and insights gained through her partnership with the project have elevated her agricultural prowess, ensuring the production of high-quality onions destined for market shelves.
“As I look at my experience with APPSA, I am filled with pride and gratitude,” Matente declares, her gaze sweeping across space as if to look for acres to begin planting more onion. “The skills I have acquired through the APPSA project will carry me far in terms of the scale and quality of my onion production.”
In a region where agriculture is not just a livelihood but a way of life, Matente’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through collaborative technology generation and dissemination, the APPSA project is transforming lives and cultivating prosperity across the Southern African region, one farmer at a time. As Matente continues to nurture her crops and tend to her land, she embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines the heart of farming.
The Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) Project is a regional project supported by separate World Bank (WB) – IDA1 credits to five countries in the region, namely Lesotho, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia, and a World Bank – IDA grant for the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA).
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