By Lerato Matheka
Lesotho’s wool and mohair industry has long been a cornerstone of its economy, sustaining rural livelihoods for generations. The country is one of the world’s largest mohair producers, a luxury fibre prized globally for its softness and durability.
Wool and mohair contribute significantly to Lesotho’s agricultural exports and serve as vital income sources for thousands of smallholder farmers. However, this industry has faced persistent challenges, including land degradation, climate change, and limited market access.
Despite these obstacles, passionate farmers like Tšele Mooshela have found ways to thrive, ensuring the sector remains a beacon of hope for many Basotho.
For Tšele Mooshela, sheep farming is more than just a livelihood—it’s a legacy.
Born and bred in the Thaba-Tseka district, his journey into ram breeding began in 2004, inspired by a visit to the Maseru Wool and Mohair District Show two years earlier.
That day, he witnessed Basotho farmers competing and excelling in sheep rearing, but what caught his attention the most were the prizes awarded to winners.
“At that moment, a seed was planted in me. Growing up in a farming family, I knew the basics of taking care of livestock, but that event opened my eyes to the potential of sheep farming as a serious business.”
Mooshela’s early farming experience mirrors that of many Basotho boys. After school and during holidays, he herded his father’s sheep and cattle.
“The income from wool and mohair sustained our family, paying for school fees, clothes, and household essentials. This upbringing cemented my belief in the transformative power of agriculture,” he recounts.
Determined to carve his own path, Mooshela took his first step toward independence by constructing a milling facility in 2003.
His aim was to process animal feed, a resource he knew would be crucial for sustaining his livestock. In 2004, he purchased his first 10 sheep and a ram. However, disaster struck when thieves stole the ram and the livestock already available on the night the ram arrived.
“It was a huge setback, but luckily the 10 sheep had not yet arrived. That incident didn’t kill my dream; if anything, it made me more determined. I started this journey smarter.” With resilience, Mooshela embarked on a path that would later position him as a beacon of hope.
In 2021, Mooshela’s dedication caught the attention of the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP), which awarded him a M400,000 grant.
This funding marked a turning point in his farming journey, allowing him to shift from basic rearing to professional breeding.
“Through the grant, I purchased 40 more sheep and a ram. This was the beginning of a pure breeding operation.”
He added, “To maintain the quality and standard of what I was starting, I sold all my initial flock and focused entirely on the pure breeds.”
With a second batch of funding, he further expanded his flock by acquiring 20 additional sheep.
Today, Mooshela’s farm is a model of quality production, supplying rams to other farmers and earning accolades, including first place at the 2024 National Wool and Mohair Show.
Despite the launch of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded Wool and Mohair Promotion Project (WAMPP) in 2015, which concluded in 2023 with the aim of enhancing the resilience, productivity, and income of smallholder wool and mohair farmers—particularly in Lesotho’s highland areas—Mooshela decries the inadequate income derived from the quality wool they produce due to faulty systems.
WAMPP sought to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve land management practices, and bolster the sector’s marketability, making wool and mohair a reliable and sustainable source of income for Lesotho’s rural population. However, the farmer notes that the wool shearing combined system undermines their efforts.
“As much as we produce top-quality wool, we don’t get what we deserve. Our shearing system doesn’t differentiate or package our raw wool based on quality,” he stated.
With a total project cost of US$39.7 million, IFAD reported that WAMPP had left a lasting impact on Lesotho’s agricultural landscape, and its lessons could inform future initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in the wool and mohair industry. However, over the eight years of the project’s duration, Mooshela has expressed frustrations, citing a lack of policies or legal motivation that undermine their drive.
“We all go to the same shearing shed as different farmers, producing and rearing various types of sheep. We have our livestock shed, yet all the wool is packed together as a collective unit, regardless of our different quality products. This not only affects the income we make and demotivates us, but it also discourages our children from taking this line of business seriously,” he said.
The wool and mohair industry holds significant importance in Lesotho, not only as a major export commodity but also as a critical source of livelihood for rural farmers.
Lesotho is among the world’s largest producers of mohair, a highly sought-after luxury fibre used in the textile industry.
In 2014, wool and mohair collectively contributed approximately 6.3% to the country’s total exports, making it a vital contributor to the national economy. The industry provides raw materials for Lesotho’s thriving textile sector, representing 43.4% of exports.
However, the industry has faced several challenges over the years, including overgrazing and rangeland degradation, coupled with weak rangeland management and an inefficient value chain. These issues have led to suboptimal production and lower market returns for farmers.
Mooshela, whose livestock has exponentially grown since working with the SADP, noted that another persistent challenge to his growth is land scarcity.
Expanding his flock requires more grazing land and feed crops, but limited access to land constrains his ambitions.
“I can only do so much, but if the law does not permit it, all my efforts will be limited to being a mere promising ram breeder,” he says.
He adds that climate change further exacerbates his challenges, affecting both livestock health and crop yields. He urges the government to consider irrigation projects that would benefit both livestock and crop farmers.
According to IFAD, while working to improve the wool and mohair industry in Lesotho, WAMPP faced several challenges during its implementation.
“One of the most significant threats was land degradation, which persisted in some areas despite the project’s efforts to promote sustainable grazing practices. In some cases, farmers, encouraged by the improved productivity of their livestock, increased herd sizes, leading to further strain on already degraded rangelands. This highlights the need for continued education and enforcement of sustainable grazing practices,” the report states.
While Mooshela’s rams are valued for their superior genetics, selling them at fair prices remains a challenge.
He prices his rams at M20,000 or higher, depending on their lineage and breeding costs. However, many farmers resist paying premium prices, often haggling for as little as M5,000.
“The market isn’t prepared to pay for quality. I once bought a purebred ram for M50,000, yet local buyers expect to pay far less. This inconsistency stifles the growth and sustainability of our operations. I refuse to sell my breeds for less, and I look forward to the day farmers see the value of commercialization.”
To offset his challenges, Mooshela and his family have diversified their income streams, which include running a restaurant that occasionally benefits from the farm’s sheep as a source of meat.
This diversification provides a financial cushion, especially during tough farming seasons.
Mooshela believes that education and preparation are critical for success in sheep farming. “The most vital thing is ensuring you have a reliable source of feed. Without that, sustaining livestock is nearly impossible.”
He also emphasises the importance of strategic planning and market research.
“Farmers need to immerse themselves in learning and adapt to changing conditions. This line of work is not for the faint-hearted, but it can be rewarding if done right.”
Mooshela admits that the current state of the wool and mohair industry in Lesotho can be disheartening.
“We’re encouraged to evolve and improve our production, yet the market systems and policies haven’t evolved to support us,” he notes.
His biggest frustration lies in the lack of access to water, which hinders both livestock and crop production. “If only there were a project to help irrigate water from rivers to our farms,” he muses. “It would solve so many problems.”
Though the journey is fraught with obstacles, Mooshela remains optimistic about the potential of ram breeding. He hopes for systemic improvements, including better market structures, fair pricing, and policies that support farmers.
“Being a ram breeder is a lucrative business. With the right support and determination, it’s a path worth pursuing. My advice to young farmers is simple: stay focused, learn continuously, and never give up on your dreams.”
The road to an improved wool and mohair industry continues, with IFAD approving a new project: the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP) in 2023. This project is expected to build on the successes of WAMPP.
WaMCoP aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the wool and mohair sector, focusing on private sector-led job creation.
The project will continue to support smallholder farmers by improving their access to markets, enhancing value chain efficiency, and fostering climate resilience.
Shepherding a Dream, Building a Legacy
- Advertisement -![spot_img]()
