Potato farming is emerging as a game-changer in Lesotho, reshaping the country’s agricultural landscape and providing new opportunities for food security, climate resilience, and economic growth.
Once regarded as a simple household staple, the potato has become the cornerstone of Lesotho’s agricultural transformation. In 2022, the government identified the potato as its strategic priority crop under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative. This decision marked a turning point, as it aligned agricultural production with the nation’s vision for sustainability and prosperity.
Lesotho’s mountainous terrain, once considered a limitation, is proving to be a strength. The potato thrives in high-altitude environments, making it well suited to the country’s rugged landscape. This resilience allows farmers in vulnerable and remote regions to increase production while adapting to climate challenges such as erratic rainfall and soil degradation.
In towns like Semonkong, a new generation of farmers is embracing potato cultivation as a pathway to livelihood and independence. Many young people who had once migrated in search of work are now finding purpose in agriculture. The shift is not only boosting incomes but also creating much-needed jobs in rural areas. Women and youth, in particular, are playing a leading role in this transformation.
Pilot projects under the OCOP program have already delivered tangible results, with reports of yield increases of up to 20 percent. These gains are feeding into local markets, reducing the need for imports, and strengthening food availability across the country.
Lesotho currently produces around 9,000 tons of potatoes annually, but the ambition is much higher. Plans are underway to more than double output to 24,000 tons within the next two years. Achieving this target would significantly cut reliance on foreign imports and reinforce national food sovereignty.
The potato is no longer seen merely as food on the table. It has become a symbol of resilience, growth, and hope for a nation that is charting a new agricultural future. By investing in this versatile crop, Lesotho is demonstrating how innovation, local resources, and community participation can work together to drive long-term transformation.
