Historic trade fair opens in Lesotho
- Aims to transform agriculture sector
- Shifting focus from aid to markets, boosts farmer resilience
MOSA MAOENG
MASERU – Lesotho marked a significant step towards agricultural self-sufficiency this week as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II), hosted the country’s inaugural Lesotho Agricultural Trade Fair 2025.
Held under the theme ‘Strengthening market systems and value chain linkages for inclusive agricultural growth,’ the fair aimed to showcase agricultural innovations and climate-smart technologies, facilitate business-to-business (B2B) connections between agro-dealers, farmer organisations and suppliers, support discussions on bulk procurement and pricing strategies, improve farmer access to financial services and agricultural insurance as well as to promote resilient and inclusive market systems.
WFP Country Director, Elliot Vhurumuku, framed the event as a strategic pivot.
“For decades, WFP’s presence in Lesotho has been synonymous with emergency food assistance,” Vhurumuku acknowledged. “While saving lives remains core, ‘changing lives’ now means empowering communities to feed themselves sustainably.”
“This trade fair is a powerful manifestation of that new direction,” Vhurumuku declared. He highlighted the SADP II partnership as evidence of this shift, enabling direct and timely delivery of critical input subsidies and insurance to smallholder farmers.
The WFP, he said, is ready to transfer global expertise in cash-based transfers and market-based programming to Lesotho.
“Markets are the most effective and sustainable driver of food security, if they work,” Vhurumuku emphasized. The fair, he explained, is designed to make markets work better for Basotho.
Key initiatives include facilitating transparent “Preferred Purchasing Agreements” and bridging gaps between agro-dealers and regional suppliers through B2B connections.
He stressed the importance of empowering Agro-Dealer Buying Clubs and improving farmers’ access to inputs, stating it’s “about providing tools and connections for Basotho… to take control of their own supply chains.”
Vhurumuku concluded, “This event is not just a trade fair; it is a declaration of confidence in the people of Lesotho,” praising the potential of agro-dealers, financial institutions, and farmers.
Agriculture minister, Thabo Mofosi, echoed the fair’s significance, calling it “an important platform for collaboration, innovation, and partnerships.”
He noted it highlights both Lesotho’s agricultural potential and commitment to food security, alongside challenges like climate change, volatile markets, shifting consumer demands, and the need for increased productivity.
Minister Mofosi stated the theme aligns with the ministry’s priorities, investing in research, promoting climate-smart tech, enhancing finance and market access, and strengthening value chains. He pointed to the sector’s transformation driven by technology and innovation, reaffirming government commitment to supporting farmers through improved livelihoods, credit access, market linkages, and modern techniques.
“The fair also promotes programmes empowering women and youth in agriculture through skills training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support,” Mofosi added, describing it as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among government agencies, research bodies, the private sector, international organisations, and development partners.
The ultimate goal, he said, is to accelerate progress towards food security and a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural system by harnessing innovation and active participation.
