Lesotho accelerates potato value chain growth, boosting rural incomes and food security

The Government of Lesotho and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Potato Lesotho Association, are scaling up potato production to strengthen food security, enhance rural livelihoods, and build climate resilience. Under the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, potatoes have emerged as a strategic agricultural commodity, catalyzing increased productivity and new commercial opportunities for Basotho farmers.

The initiative, which was recently showcased at the 19th FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting, highlights transformative progress in climate-smart agriculture and rural development across the region.

Strengthening Agrifood Systems Amid Climate and Economic Shocks

Agriculture remains a primary livelihood source in Lesotho, but recent climate-related shocks, erratic weather patterns, and the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have undermined crop production and household incomes. Recognizing the need for resilient and nutrition-focused crops, the potato was prioritized as a national flagship commodity to drive growth, improve food security, and support community resilience.

This strategic shift also responds to rising nutrition needs, encouraging households to diversify diets while strengthening domestic food supply and reducing reliance on imports.

Innovative Partnerships and Farmer Support Drive Productivity

Through a transformative partnership, FAO, the Government of Lesotho, and the Potato Lesotho Association have invested in farmer training, research, and sustainable production technologies. With support from World Bank funding, farmers received certified seed, fertilizers, and hands-on training in improved agronomic practices and climate-smart techniques.

Knowledge sharing through field demonstrations and targeted technical support—alongside exploratory work on potato tissue culture—helped build local expertise and laid the foundation for sustainable seed production. These efforts enhanced farmer confidence, strengthened community-level capacity, and increased readiness to participate in markets.

Remarkable Results in Production, Yields, and Nutrition

The programme has delivered significant gains across the potato value chain. Potato-growing areas expanded by 146 percent, while farmers reported yield increases of up to 42 percent, demonstrating both the effectiveness of improved inputs and the adoption of climate-smart practices. At national level, production more than tripled within a single cropping season, reflecting strong farmer uptake and effective technical support. As potatoes become more available and affordable, household consumption has risen, supporting healthier and more diverse diets while strengthening food security across rural communities.

Scaling Seed Production and Export Opportunities

Looking ahead, Lesotho is positioned to scale its potato sector through enhanced private sector engagement, continued research, and the establishment of a tissue culture laboratory to produce high-quality, disease-free seed locally. Expanding local seed production will further increase yields, help meet national demand, and open the pathway toward future export opportunities.

By prioritizing potato value-chain development and investing in climate-smart technologies and farmer empowerment, Lesotho is creating a resilient, market-driven agricultural system capable of supporting rural prosperity and contributing to long-term national food security.