Lesotho

Seed sector in Lesotho

Agriculture employs 60% of the population in Lesotho and is a main source of livelihood for 90% of its rural population, with crop production representing 2% of GDP. Most farmers in Lesotho are smallholders, and their crop productivity is relatively low because of soil erosion, poor agricultural practices, recurring bouts of drought and increased cost of farming inputs.

The bulk of seeds sourced—maize (80%), sorghum (90%), beans (87%), wheat (90%) and peas (90%)—is farm saved. There is a community-based seed system that involves associations of individuals, often organized as a group or cooperative with the support of non-governmental organizations that assist with seed multiplication and establishing community seed banks. This is often done to support farming systems recovering from systemic stress, such as drought, pests or diseases, or to strengthen farmer-based systems with improved varieties or seed quality enhancing techniques.

The Department of Agricultural Research secures germplasm for evaluation, variety maintenance and production of basic seed, while the private sector multiplies and distributes seed to farmers.

Observations

With only six index companies operating in Lesotho, there is a low level of private sector activity, and only Seed Co carries out activities beyond sales with testing and extension services.