Libuseng Molato
On September 7, 2024, the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru was abuzz with celebration as Farmers Pitso hosted their prestigious annual awards ceremony, honouring the outstanding contributions of farmers and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
This event, marking another milestone in the evolution of Lesotho’s agriculture sector, highlighted the commitment and dedication of farmers, who are steadily transforming the nation’s approach to food security and rural development, a direct response to the government’s policy direction.
Farmers Pitso: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Thabiso Mats’oele, co-founder of Farmers Pitso Awards, reflected on the organisation’s inspiring journey recounting its foundation in 2012.
“Farmers Pitso initially started with training sessions aimed at equipping farmers with basic skills. Over the years, the initiative grew into a comprehensive platform for benchmarking, networking, and showcasing farming innovations.
“We began as a small group of farmers committed to learning and sharing knowledge, but today, Farmers Pitso has evolved into a movement that brings farmers together not only to share ideas but to celebrate each other’s achievements. Our growth led us to establish exhibitions, and this year we are proud to honour those who have excelled in agriculture in their respective areas.”
Mats’oele emphasised that Farmers Pitso has always been about more than just farming.
“It’s a community that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration,” he said noting the introduction of awards in 2018, was out of a desire to celebrate excellence in farming.
“Our awards are not just about produce. They are about recognising the individual farmer, the journey they’ve taken, and the publicity their success brings to the country’s agricultural industry.”
He also used the platform to urge the government to support and prioritise the work of Farmers Pitso participants in addressing poverty and unemployment.
“These farmers already have the potential to fight poverty, and we believe that with the right support, they can become the driving force behind Lesotho’s economic recovery,” Mats’oele said.
A Spotlight on Excellence: Honoring Farmers and Stakeholders
Farmers Pitso aims to elevate the entire agricultural value chain, including suppliers, journalists, law enforcement, and educators. The awards ceremony recognised excellence in every category, from farming innovation to advocacy and stock theft prevention.
One of the event’s most notable moments came when the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) was honoured for its exceptional efforts in preventing stock theft in different regions of the country, a persistent issue affecting rural farmers.
Three officers—Inspector Toeba Mots’oane, Woman Constable Thato Zulu, and Woman Constable Mafusi Mathathe—were awarded for their dedication to fighting stock theft.
Woman Constable Mafusi Mathathe, who received the Honorary Award for Excellent Workmanship in Livestock Theft Prevention, shared her thoughts on the challenges of the job.
“There’s no set time for us in stock theft. We respond whenever we receive reports, which sometimes means spending days in the field. The lack of resources often makes our job difficult, but being recognised for our efforts motivates us to continue protecting our farmers.”
The Role of Media in Agricultural Advocacy
The media’s crucial role in promoting agriculture was also celebrated, with Mo-Africa FM owner, Ratabane Ramainoane, receiving an Honorary Award for Excellence in Media and Agricultural Advocacy.
In his speech, Ramainoane passionately called on the government to establish markets for local produce to prevent post-harvest losses and encourage more farmers to enter the industry.
“Basotho love farming, but without structured markets, their efforts go to waste,” Ramainoane said.
“In 2013, a policy was introduced to source school meals from local farmers, but it has yet to be implemented. If we could ensure that every school and institution source locally, we would see a significant increase in food production.”
Ramainoane also highlighted the importance of addressing land allocation issues.
“Farmers need land to expand their operations, but the Land Act of 2010, which mandates the Minister of Agriculture to allocate farmland, has not been enforced. Without land, farmers are limited in what they can achieve.”
Empowering Youth in Agriculture
This year’s awards underscored the critical role that young people play in the future of Lesotho’s agriculture.
Siyabonga Ndlovu, a 21-year-old from Ha Mants’ebo, took home the top prize in the Youth in Agriculture category for his work at Ndlovu Farm, a thriving vegetable enterprise.
“I started farming during the COVID-19 lockdown, and it quickly became clear that agriculture was the only industry still moving forward.”
Ndlovu shared that farming became his passion, “…I realised that it was not just a job but a way to sustain myself and my community and I never looked back.”
The inclusion of young farmers in the awards demonstrates Farmers Pitso’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Ndlovu’s story is a testament to the potential that exists when youth are empowered to engage in farming as a viable and rewarding career.
Similarly, 14-year-old Mohanoe Manyanye won first prize in the Breeding category for his work in dog breeding, making him the event’s youngest winner of all categories.
“I started breeding dogs to protect my family’s livestock, and now it’s become a business,” Manyanye explained.
His success highlights the diverse opportunities available in agriculture, extending beyond traditional crop and livestock farming.
Women Leading the Way in Agriculture
The awards ceremony also paid tribute to the contributions of women in agriculture.
Limakatso Mothunya, owner of Motsoetse AgriBusiness, won second prize in the Women in Agriculture category.
Mothunya, who recently resigned from her job to focus on farming full-time, spoke passionately about the impact farming has had on her life.
“There is life in agriculture. I’m not just feeding my family—I’m feeding my community and creating jobs. Farming has given me a sense of purpose, and I encourage more Basotho to use the resources we have in this country to create sustainable livelihoods.”
Farmgirls Lesotho co-founder, Matumane Matela, also received an Appreciation Award for her work in empowering women farmers.
“This award represents the strength and resilience of women in agriculture. It’s a call to action for more women to join us in this journey of growth and empowerment.”
Sponsorship and the Future of Farming
Farmers Pitso’s success is built on the support of sponsors who share the vision of advancing agriculture in Lesotho. Companies like Sentinel Farms and Foso Hardware contributed generously to the event, providing farming implements, cash prizes, and resources to support the growth of local farmers.
“Our goal is to offer products that make farming easier and more productive,” said Rets’eisitsoe Moabi, founder of Sentinel Farms. “Sponsoring events like Farmers Pitso is part of our commitment to seeing the farming industry in Lesotho thrive. We’re not just selling equipment—we’re investing in the future of agriculture.”
Newsday Media which publishes Lesotho’s only agriculture publications contributed M10 000 towards the schools in the agriculture category. The amount will be shared among the three winning schools.
The Managing Editor of the company, Lerato Matheka indicated that for Lesotho to full achieve food sufficiency and sustainability, children need to be encouraged at a young age.
“Schools are better institutions to support in making agriculture fashionable and popular. Gone are the days when farmers were viewed as old and uneducated. We at Newsday want to be part of progress,” she said.
The Minister of Agriculture’s Call to Action
Minister of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi praised Farmers Pitso for its vital role in motivating and empowering farmers across the country.
Mofosi, who has personally received recognition from Farmers Pitso Awards in the past, emphasised the importance of agriculture as Lesotho’s economic backbone.
“Farmers Pitso is doing an incredible job in bringing our farmers together, recognising their efforts, and motivating them to continue producing for our country. As Prime Minister Matekane has declared, agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we must all work together to support its growth.”
Mofosi stressed the need for the government to take decisive action in supporting farmers and ensuring that the agricultural sector receives the attention it deserves.
He pointed to the upcoming World Food Day celebration planned in Quthing in October as an opportunity for farmers to showcase their produce.
“I call on all farmers to participate in the World Food Day celebration in October. This is our chance to show the world what Lesotho’s farmers can achieve. We are committed to providing the necessary resources, including transportation, to ensure that farmers from across the country can attend.”
Mofosi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to agriculture and called on all stakeholders to play their part.
“We cannot underestimate the power of farming in solving our country’s problems. It is only through farming that we can truly conquer the challenges we face. The government, private sector, and civil society must unite to support initiatives like Farmers Pitso that are changing the landscape of agriculture in Lesotho.”
A Vision for the Future
Farmers Pitso’s 2024 awards ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of individual farmers but also underscored the collective vision of a thriving, resilient agricultural sector in Lesotho. As the country looks to the future, it is clear that agriculture will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Lesotho’s economic and social development.
With the unwavering support of the government, private sector, and dedicated organisations like Farmers Pitso, the future of farming in Lesotho shines bright.
This year’s event was a powerful reminder that through collaboration, innovation, and recognition, Lesotho’s farmers can lead the country to a future of food security, economic growth, and sustainability.
