Breaking Ground in Trout Farming: Meet Lesotho’s First Youth Entrepreneur

Libuseng Molato

Khaolo Ramarumo, a twenty-four-year-old from Liphokoaneng, Thabatseka, has become a trailblazer in Lesotho’s agricultural landscape as the first Mosotho youth to pioneer rainbow trout farming.

Growing up in rural Lesotho, Ramarumo’s journey into trout farming began with a childhood passion for fishing, initially as a means to support his family’s needs. Reflecting on his upbringing, Ramarumo recounts, “As the eldest, I felt the responsibility to contribute. Fishing became more than a hobby; it became a lifeline.”

After completing high school in 2020, Ramarumo turned his attention fully to fishing, recognising its potential as a sustainable business. “I immersed myself in learning from online resources,” he explains, highlighting his proactive approach to gaining knowledge.

In March 2022, Ramarumo’s dedication paid off when he secured a grant from the Smallholder Agriculture Department Project (SADP) II. This funding enabled him to significantly expand his operations, increasing his fish production from two thousand to five thousand through the construction of additional ponds.

Further enhancing his skills and business acumen, Ramarumo was selected for the prestigious Sebabatso programme earlier this year. His participation included a transformative study tour in China, where he honed his expertise in fish breeding and feed production.

Today, Ramarumo Fish Farming stands as a beacon of success, supplying local communities, catering businesses, and even markets in Maseru with high-quality trout. “Producing five thousand fish every six months has not only been profitable but also sustainable, despite the challenges of transporting feed,” Ramarumo proudly states.

Harnessing Lesotho’s abundant natural resources—clean water and optimal highland temperatures—Ramarumo has positioned his trout as a sought-after commodity globally. “Our trout’s quality is unmatched, thanks to our unique environmental advantages,” he emphasises.

Looking ahead, Ramarumo plans to expand his farm, utilising Lesotho’s expansive dams like Mohale Dam to scale production further. His advice to fellow youth is straightforward yet powerful: “Be self-employed. Don’t wait for opportunities; create them. Criticism shouldn’t discourage you; let it fuel your determination.”

Acknowledging the impact of programs like SADP II, Thabo Sekhonyana, Director of Field Services, underscores their role in combating unemployment and fostering agricultural innovation. Relebohile Khathibe, SADP Matching Grants Manager, applauds Ramarumo’s success in commercialising his venture and creating local employment opportunities.

“In Lesotho, Ramarumo Fish Farming has set a standard for agricultural excellence, serving as a model for aspiring youth entrepreneurs,” Khathibe remarks, underscoring the project’s commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture and nutrition.

Ramarumo’s story not only celebrates his individual achievement but also highlights the transformative impact of youth entrepreneurship in building a sustainable agricultural future for Lesotho.