The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition (MAFSN), through its Department of Nutrition and Home Economics, has successfully capacitated two nutrition clubs under the Maqhaka Resource Centre with vital skills in food preservation and processing. This initiative aims to strengthen food security and empower local communities with practical knowledge for improving food sustainability.
The training, which ran from Monday to Friday, saw the participation of Area Technical Officers (ATO’s) from six resource centers across the Berea district. Additionally, 23 members from local nutrition clubs, including Bohlokoa Mots’oene Nutrition Club and Maraba Organic Food Preservation, took part in the session. The aim was to equip the participants with the necessary skills to process and preserve food effectively, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainability within their communities.
Assistant Nutrition Manager at the Department of Nutrition and Home Economics, Ms. Mabatebang Napo, provided insight into the objectives of the training. She explained that through food science and the use of appropriate technology, the department is committed to promoting food processing and preservation techniques nationwide. These initiatives are essential in addressing food security challenges and ensuring that communities are better equipped to handle periods of food scarcity.
The training focused on various techniques of food preservation, including drying, canning, and fermenting, which are key methods to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. The skills imparted to the participants are expected to have a lasting impact, improving local food systems and reducing food waste in the region.
By enhancing the capacity of local nutrition clubs and equipping them with modern food preservation methods, MAFSN aims to foster greater food resilience in Lesotho. The initiative is a part of the broader efforts to ensure food security, improve nutrition, and empower communities to take charge of their food production and preservation. This collaborative effort is expected to contribute to the long-term development and well-being of the people of Lesotho.
