Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project Launches National Survey to Strengthen Lesotho’s Textile Sector

The Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP), implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition, is currently conducting a national survey aimed at assessing and strengthening Lesotho’s wool and mohair sector. The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ethical Fashion Initiative, both of which bring technical expertise and global development support to the project. The survey is designed to gather detailed information on the structure and performance of the wool and mohair value chain across the country. It focuses on understanding how different actors contribute to the industry and how the sector can be made more competitive. This effort reflects a broader push to improve rural livelihoods through sustainable agricultural and textile development.

The national survey targets a wide range of participants within the wool and mohair ecosystem, including artisans, designers, cooperatives, and small businesses. According to Ethical Fashion Initiative Programme Officer Ms. Oceane Joncoux, the exercise is intended to map out all key actors involved in the value chain. She explained that the goal is to collect accurate and up-to-date information that reflects the real conditions within the sector. This includes identifying levels of activity, production capacity, and operational challenges faced by participants. The data will help build a clearer and more structured understanding of how the industry functions at different stages.

Ms. Joncoux further noted that one of the main objectives of the survey is to identify existing constraints that limit growth within the wool and mohair sector. These constraints may include gaps in technical skills, limited access to production resources, and challenges in reaching wider markets. Many small producers and creative businesses face barriers that prevent them from scaling their operations effectively. By capturing this information directly from industry participants, the project aims to highlight areas that require urgent attention. The findings will help stakeholders understand where intervention is most needed to unlock growth potential.

The survey is also expected to provide insight into production systems and the overall capacity of stakeholders operating within the value chain. This includes examining how raw wool and mohair are processed, transformed, and integrated into final products. Understanding these processes is essential for improving efficiency and competitiveness in both local and international markets. The information gathered will also help identify opportunities for innovation and improved product development. It will support efforts to align local production with global standards in the textile and fashion industries.

Another key focus of the WaMCoP survey is strengthening market access for producers and creative entrepreneurs within the sector. Many participants in the wool and mohair industry face difficulties in connecting with buyers and accessing stable market channels. The data collected will inform strategies aimed at improving trade linkages and expanding export opportunities. It will also support the development of targeted programmes that help small businesses grow and compete more effectively. These interventions are expected to contribute to long term economic empowerment and job creation within rural communities.

The information gathered through the survey will be used to guide future development initiatives under WaMCoP and its partners. This includes capacity building programmes, skills development initiatives, and business support interventions tailored to different groups within the sector. The collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition, IFAD, and the Ethical Fashion Initiative ensures that the project is aligned with both national priorities and international best practices. The survey represents a critical step toward building a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable wool and mohair industry in Lesotho. It concludes with a strong foundation for evidence based planning that aims to transform the sector into a stronger driver of economic growth.