Lineo Mahlomola
With nutrition being a factor linking farming with health, the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP) II works in collaboration with nutrition clubs across the country to educate about proper agricultural skills.
SADP II recently paid a visit to Mathemaloli Nutrition Club where the members and local farmers exhibited their agro-produce for purchase in Ha Masana, Maseru.
The Clubs according to SADP II are meant to alleviate poverty, increase nutrition in their area, and decrease the rate of unemployment.
Since its existence, the Mathemaloli Nutrition Club has birthed 22 more clubs to cater to different age groups.
The group has a working collaboration with local farmers as their key stakeholders in their different nutrition projects.
During the visit, SADP II was met with a variety of fresh vegetables, animals as well as different crafts made from agricultural waste.
Speaking on behalf of Mathemaloli Nutrition Club, Palesa Nthunya, explained that the club is known for producing canned foods from crops produced by their local farmers.
“Our club is known for producing canned foods that come from our fields, all the past three years, the production of canned food was not as good as when we started because of too much moisture from our fields, but we have still managed to maintain production.”
Nthunya indicated that the biggest challenge they encounter is climate change effects hindering their crop production.
“…but we did not let it stop us from producing. We continued with what we have so that we make a living,†she said adding that beyond canning food, the club produces shade nets.
The Qeme councilor, Sello Malataliana, acknowledged the two supervisors, who did their best in clubs by giving them awards and ensuring their clubs achieved.
“For the projects to have succeeded up to this far, it is because of supervisors, they are very important in farming,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the director at SADP II, Malichaba Nkhethoa, encouraged farmers to work harder so much that they produce for the wholesalers in the country.
“There is more to achieve when you work as a team. Your progress shows determination and with more and more efforts, your products can be sold at a large scale,†she said.
