Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 27 — In response to Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane’s call for youth job creation, hundred young farmers in Qacha’s Nek are receiving agricultural training and input support to grow their businesses.
The program is part of a nationwide effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN), in collaboration with the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II), which will support 1,000 youth across Lesotho.
Speaking to the Agency on Tuesday, Leqheku Letsoisa, SADP II Project Field Officer, explained that the strategy to develop youth businesses aligns with SADP’s mandate, and the ministry has entrusted SADP to implement the initiative.
He emphasised the importance of empowering youth through agriculture. “Supporting young farmers is not just about jobs, it’s about building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening our nation’s food security,” he said.
Beneficiaries were identified through district resource centres, and two training sessions on production and business management have already been conducted. Additional training is planned for pesticides use and other inputs.
Some farmers have already received inputs. He said potato farmers received seeds in mid-December 2025 and have already planted them, with manure provided for top-dressing. Vegetable farmers are awaiting cabbage seedlings, but pesticides and fertilisers have already been distributed.
Letsoisa added that the distribution is happening in phases, with plans to provide additional training and inputs to all beneficiaries. “We want farmers to start working once the seedlings arrive, without waiting for fertilizers or other support,” he said…