FAO facilitates South–South cooperation between Lesotho and Peru to scale up sustainable potato sector

Lima, Peru — A delegation from the Kingdom of Lesotho has concluded a strategic study tour in Peru aimed at transforming its potato sector under the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative through innovation, knowledge exchange and international partnerships.  

Held from 2 to 9 May 2026, the mission brought together policymakers, researchers and farmer representatives from both countries to explore how Peru’s globally recognized potato innovations can be adapted to Lesotho’s agricultural context.  

The visit was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under its South–South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru, the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), and the International Potato Center (CIP).  

Both Lesotho and Peru have identified potato as their Special Agricultural Product under the OCOP initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance food security, improve nutrition and strengthen rural livelihoods. 

From innovation to market: advancing a resilient potato value chain 

Led by Khothatso Tsóoana, Principal Secretary of Lesotho’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, the delegation explored the entire potato value chain—from seeds and advanced laboratory research to industrial processing and market development. 

 Participants observed public policies, governance, seed production technologies, farmer associations, marketing and commercial innovation.  The mission was designed to facilitate the transfer of high-impact technologies, innovations and practices that can be integrated into Lesotho’s agricultural strategy. It also helped identify pathways to improve productivity, strengthen climate resilience and increase farmer incomes. 

A key focus was on aeroponics for healthy seed potato production, conservation of potato germplasm, and the development of biofortified and climate-resilient varieties. These innovations offer practical solutions to Lesotho’s specific challenges, such as limited access to disease-free seeds, low productivity, and nutritional gaps.  

The mission also emphasized market integration and value addition. Engagements with industry experts highlighted modern approaches to packaging, labelling and processing, demonstrating how quality standards can unlock new market opportunities. Sustainability remained central, with a focus on efficient water use and improved agricultural practices to ensure environmentally responsible growth while supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.  

“This visit is a strategic opportunity to learn, collaborate and adopt best practices that strengthen our potato value chain, from seed development and mechanization to market access,” said Khothatso Tsóoana.  

Jorge Sáez, Vice‑Minister of Peru’s Ministry of Agriculture, underscored the importance of the public sector and coordinated action in strengthening the governance, noting that “technical cooperation with Peru, FAO, and CIP represents a strategic opportunity to transfer knowledge, strengthen capacities and establish lasting partnerships."   

Jorge Ganoza, Executive President of INIA, emphasized: “The best way to contribute to food security is by sharing knowledge and technologies that improve crop quality and productivity, including advances such as biofortified varieties and aeroponics.” 

Delegates observing advanced seed potato production technologies.  © FAO/José Rubio 

A long-term partnership for impact 

The mission marks the beginning of a sustained technical partnership between Lesotho, Peru, FAO and CIP. Mariana Escobar, FAO Representative in Peru, noted, “This visit is a living example of one of the most effective modalities of technical exchange between countries. It is not just a visit, but the beginning of a long-term partnership.”  

Hafiz Muminjanov, Global Coordinator of the OCOP initiative at FAO, underscored the significance of this collaboration: “By promoting partnerships between countries, OCOP is not only sharing seeds or tools, but also the scientific and institutional foundations needed to build competitive, sustainable and market-oriented value chains.”  

Athifa Ali, Programme Officer of the SSTC Division at FAO, added that the exchange between the two countries goes beyond exposure and learning, “By linking Peru’s experience with Lesotho’s priorities, this study tour is directly informing the design of future South–South Cooperation projects aimed at enhancing seed systems, improving productivity and sustainable value along the potato value chain”.  

As a follow-up, FAO and CIP will develop a roadmap to guide Lesotho in strengthening its potato sector. A Peruvian delegation is also expected to visit Lesotho to celebrate the International Day of Potato on 30 May, further cementing cooperation between the two countries.  

About the South-South Cooperation Project  
Funded through the Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) under South–South and Triangular Cooperation, the project supports strategic collaborations among countries participating in the OCOP initiative. Implemented across Cambodia, the Philippines, Lesotho and Algeria, it facilitates structured exchanges with technical partners—including China, Indonesia, Peru and Türkiye—to help countries adapt proven solutions in mango, potato and figs value chains, and translate South–South learning into concrete, scalable investments and new SSTC projects.  

About the OCOP initiative  
Launched globally in 2021 by FAO, the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative supports countries in identifying a strategic agricultural product with high potential and improving its value chain—from seed to market—in a sustainable manner. As of May 2026, more than 90 FAO Member Nations have joined the initiative, promoting 55 Special Agricultural Products worldwide.