The Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa in the Kingdom of Lesotho recently hosted an exchange visit initiative between farmer field school (FFS) from Ha-Seetsa (visitors) under Mahobong resource centre and FFS at Nkoeng (hosts) under Tale resource centre to foster knowledge exchange and learning between smallholder farmers in Leribe district. FFS exchange visits provide an opportunity for farmers to learn about the practices and technologies that other farmers use.
The two FFS focused on two crop commodities that are promoted by the Department of Agricultural Research through the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA), namely: Maize (ZM521 & 523) and Beans (NUA 45 & Pinto). APPSA-Lesotho is strengthening promotion of these technologies under sub-project entitled “Drivers to technology adoption and profitability – dissemination of improved technologies -maize and beans in Lesotho and Angola”. This sub-project is led by Ms Mokhants’o Morahanye as the Principal Investigator (PI) from DAR while Dr Kiakanua Manuvanga from Angola is a co-PI.
Agroecological system Analysis (AESA) was discussed by farmers. This is a comprehensive and regular farm monitoring and evaluation method for crops. It involves growth assessment, observing the interaction between crops and other biotic/abiotic factors coexisting in the field, detailed data collection and analysis of field observations. AESA is the cornerstone of the FFS that enable decision making by farmers through collective discussion. The farmers from the two FFS were able to understand the challenges experienced from the respective schools and the mitigation measures put in place.
Exhibition of agricultural produce from Ha-Seetsa and Nkoeng FFS was conducted. These included cereals, vegetables, preserved fruits, and vegetables. Hand-made products such as thatched broom, clothes, necklaces that farmers from the two FFS also produce to earn a living were also exhibited.
Mr Tilia Letsoela, on behalf of FFS members, indicated that they have learned a lot since the establishment of these schools. He promulgated that they currently conduct agricultural practices in an organized manner and make informed decisions. Mr Letsoela expressed their gratitude to APPSA for the legacy brought to their farming communities. He highlighted that those maize technologies brought by APPSA are performing well despite recent heavy rains experienced during the season.
It is worth noting that APPSA is currently establishing the Regional Center of Leadership (RCoL) in Horticulture in Lesotho to also assist both the country and the entire SADC region for an increased availability and access of improved technologies among smallholder farmers. The Horticulture RcoL Coordinator, Ms Maleabua Lephole expressed her appreciation to the commitment shown by FFS members throughout the planting season. She stated that through the FFS experiential learning, members are expected to participate strongly in assisting Lesotho to attain food security. Ms Lephole thanked extension service in the Leribe district for their support to the farmers and APPSA initiatives.
Mrs Mabolae Lephoto, on behalf of the District Agricultural Officer, commended APPSA for establishing FFS in Leribe. She pleaded with members of FFS to work as a team even post APPSA. Mrs Lephoto informed FFS members that they have become a helping hand for extension service in their respective areas and are expected to assist their fellow farmers in practicing agriculture in an informed manner.
Source: Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) of Lesotho
