APPSA Scientific Conference Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Agricultural Innovation
Maseru, Lesotho – April 2, 2025 – The 2nd Regional Scientific Conference for the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) officially commenced today at Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, Lesotho. Organized by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and […]
Asparagus for the future, reincarnation of a crop atop the food chain
In the southwestern outskirts of Berea, lies a small village of Ha Makebe embedded in the hillocks creating a basin of engulfment away from the hustle and bustle of town-life in the capital Maseru further southerly, and the district’s CBD TY just less than 20km up north. It is in this locale where ‘Mantsoaki Ntlatlapo […]
Soil Health Management-key Factor to Sustained Agricultural Production
A country that has a sustainable agricultural sector has economic resilience. This is because agriculture in many parts of Southern Africa including Lesotho has proven to be a significant source of income and employment. It has also proven to be a major contributor to economic empowerment especially for communities living in the rural areas. In […]
APPSA Brings in Farmer Field Schools as a Solution to Food Insecurity in Lesotho
Food production in Lesotho and many parts of Southern Africa remains a critical component of national development efforts. For a country like Lesotho to make strides toward the 2030 development agenda, improvement in the agricultural sector is imperative. Farmers who aspire to move from subsistence farming to commercial levels are often eager to learn and […]
Seed Production Offers a Ray of Hope for Food Security in Lesotho
Nestled among the maize fields of Lesotho’s Berea district is the inspiring story of Mokhethi Molefi, a farmer whose dedication to agriculture has helped position him as a household name in the country’s seed production industry. Mokhethi’s journey began in 1986 when, as a secondary school student, he discovered his passion for farming. Over nearly […]
Chief Monka Leads Leribe Farmers Towards a Food-Secure Future with Conservation Agriculture
…farmers embrace CA as ‘the future of farming’ “I tell you, within a considerably short space of time, there will never be a person going hungry in this area” he says as his hand digs-in before reemerging a few second later with a modest scoop of pearly granular seeds of white maize from the recent […]
Agricultural Technology Under APPSA Elevates a Vegetable Farmer’s Success
The current food insecurity affecting Lesotho and many Southern African countries, exacerbated by ever-changing climatic conditions and rising unemployment, has left many families struggling to survive. Some parents often leave their children by themselves at home as they seek employment in neighboring South Africa. In some cases, children drop out of school in search of […]
From Playtime Lost to Onion Success: Matente’s Journey with the APPSA Project
In the serene village of Ha Lobiane, nestled in Lesotho’s Leribe district, Matente’s journey reflects the transformative impact of the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) project. Once viewing farming as a childhood obstacle, Matente’s perspective evolved as she embraced her familial legacy and the land’s calling. With newfound determination and the support of APPSA, she ventured into onion cultivation, learning advanced techniques and receiving invaluable guidance. This partnership has not only enhanced her agricultural skills but also contributed to addressing food security challenges in Lesotho. Matente’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the positive change fostered by collaborative agricultural initiatives.