ASTA and OCOP collaboration in Lesotho
Lesotho relies on potato cultivation as a vital food crop, though the cultivation area is comparatively smaller than that of other staple crops like maize and wheat. Potatoes are grown primarily as part of subsistence farming practices, with minimal mechanization and reliance on rainfed conditions due to the absence of large-scale commercial production. Despite erratic weather patterns characterized by excessive rainfall and prolonged droughts, Lesotho’s climatic conditions offer potential for high potato yields if managed effectively.
Analysis and design
Findings from the value chain analysis
In Lesotho, potato cultivation, although significant, falls behind staple crops like maize, wheat, sorghum and pulses in terms of cultivated area. Primarily subsistence-based, potato farming relies on manual labour and draught animals due to minimal mechanization and lack of large-scale commercial production.
The country’s diverse geography, ranging from lowlands to highlands over 2 000 metres, dictates the timing of potato cultivation, which typically occurs in summer to avoid harsh winter conditions. Lesotho’s erratic weather, with unpredictable excessive rainfall and prolonged droughts, poses significant challenges to crop growth.
Combined with limited inputs and reliance on rainfed agriculture, these factors prevent Lesotho from meeting its domestic potato demand, leading to substantial imports. Despite these challenges, experts see potential for optimal potato yields under favourable management practices, utilizing the country’s diverse agro-ecological zones.
Key facts and figures on Lesotho's potato sector
- 790 potato growers
- 9 000 tonnes annual production quantity (year)
- More than 50 percent of potatoes are imported
Vision and upgrading strategy
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The strategy aims to enhance the productivity, sustainability and resilience of the potato industry, contributing to food security, increased incomes and environmentally friendly farming. The strategy focuses on the following five aspects:
1. Organizational elements. Forming and strengthening farmer associations to address fragmented land holdings, enhance modern agricultural techniques, and improve production and market access.
2. Propagation/seed potatoes. Revitalizing the tissue culture lab through a public-private partnership to produce high-quality seeds locally, reducing reliance on inconsistent and low-quality imports.
3. Production (smallholders). Establishing Farmer Field Schools to promote peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.
4. Aggregation. Upgrading on-farm storage methods and optimizing transport logistics with digital platforms to streamline operations, enhance efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses.
5. Enabling environment. Improve quality standards, extension services and infrastructure. Introduce matching grants to reduce financial risks for farmers adopting new technologies, fostering innovation and investment in the sector.
These interconnected components aim to address current challenges while laying the foundation for long-term growth in the potato value chain.
Expected impacts, outcomes, and results
By 2032, under the vision Lesotho’s potato value chain will become more productive and competitive. Stronger horizontal and vertical linkages will enhance value chain efficiency and integration, contributing to import substitution. The vision will also foster equitable increases in income and employment, alongside decreased food losses, within an increasingly resilient value chain.
The vision includes:
- Yields increased to 8–10 t/ha among smallholders
- Potato production increased from 9 000 to 15 000 tonnes (+67 percent)
- Post-harvest losses reduced from an average of 25 percent to 10 percent
- 500 new full-time equivalent jobs created
- Imports reduced from 10 000 tonnes to 7 000 tonnes (-30 percent)
Latest News
Lesotho strengthens capacity for sustainable potato value chain development
06/06/2026
Maseru — Lesotho is strengthening its national capacity to develop a more sustainable and productive potato sector through a series of technical exchanges,...
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