Lesotho Launches Poultry Policy and LePIA to Drive Industry Growth

Lesotho marked a significant step in agricultural development with the official launch of the Poultry Policy and the Lesotho Poultry Industry Association (LePIA). The initiative was led by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Hon. Selibe Mochoboroane Selibe Mochoboroane. The launch signals a focused effort to strengthen the structure and performance of the poultry sector in the country. It comes at a time when demand for poultry products continues to rise across local markets. The policy and association are designed to address long standing gaps in coordination and regulation. This development places poultry farming at the centre of broader food security and economic growth goals.

The newly established Lesotho Poultry Industry Association Lesotho Poultry Industry Association (LePIA) is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of the sector. Its mandate includes strengthening regulation, improving coordination among producers, and supporting policy advocacy efforts. It will also focus on market development to help farmers access better trading opportunities. Small and medium poultry farmers are expected to benefit from improved industry standards and shared technical guidance. The association will work closely with government structures to align industry needs with national agricultural priorities. This structured approach aims to reduce inefficiencies and improve competitiveness in the local poultry value chain. It also creates a platform for collaboration between private sector actors and policymakers.

The Poultry Policy introduced alongside the association provides a framework for sustainable growth and investment in the sector. It sets out guidelines intended to improve production quality, biosecurity standards, and market access. The policy also encourages investment in infrastructure and skills development for poultry farmers. By formalising industry operations, it aims to attract both local and external investors into the sector. This is expected to contribute to job creation and improved household incomes in rural and peri urban areas. Stronger coordination within the industry will also help reduce dependency on imported poultry products. The combined impact of the policy and LePIA is expected to position Lesotho’s poultry industry on a stronger and more competitive footing for long term growth.