Published 10 Sep 2026
The Current State of Farming in Lesotho
Farming remains an important part of life and livelihoods in Lesotho, but farmers are facing increasing pressure from unpredictable weather, declining crop yields and livestock challenges.
Agriculture continues to play an important role in Lesotho, particularly for rural households that depend on crop production and livestock for food and income. However, the sector is currently facing significant challenges.
The 2026 farming season has been affected by heavy rainfall, waterlogging and crop damage in several areas. Preliminary estimates indicate that national cereal production could be around half of the previous five-year average, increasing the country's reliance on food imports.
Climate change is becoming an increasingly important concern for Basotho farmers. Droughts, heavy rains, hailstorms, changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures make traditional farming methods more difficult and unpredictable.
Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for growth. The government has allocated about M1.1 billion to agriculture for 2026/27, with priorities including irrigation, food production, livestock protection, agricultural machinery and stronger agricultural value chains.
The future of farming in Lesotho will increasingly depend on climate-smart agriculture, better water management, improved livestock practices, technology and stronger markets. For farmers, this means moving beyond simply producing food and building agricultural businesses that are more resilient, productive and sustainable.
Lesotho has significant agricultural potential. With the right investment, knowledge and innovation, farming can become an even stronger source of food, employment and income for communities across the country.
