Agriculture Minister Announces Youth Job Creation and Training Through SADP II

Lesotho’s Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Mr. Thabo Mofosi, has announced a bold initiative aimed at creating thousands of job opportunities for the nation’s youth and wider public across various agricultural sectors.

Speaking during the national youth dialogue, Minister Mofosi unveiled plans under the second phase of the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project (SADP II), which includes a large-scale mentorship programme designed to upskill 1,000 young people across the country. According to the Minister, 100 youth will be selected from each of Lesotho’s ten districts to benefit from targeted training in key agricultural areas.

The mentorship programme will focus on practical skills development in poultry production, vegetable processing, and other high-potential agribusiness fields. The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to successfully manage agricultural ventures, ultimately contributing to increased food security and rural employment.

Minister Mofosi added that the programme is expected to create at least 5,000 new jobs once fully implemented, as trained youth launch their own projects or join established agricultural enterprises. In addition, the Ministry plans to train 180 youth in agricultural machinery operation to support modernisation in farming practices.

The Minister also revealed that 60 young people will be employed as researchers to support the Ministry’s soil testing initiatives under SADP II. This research effort is seen as a crucial step in improving agricultural productivity through science-based land use planning and crop selection.

The announcement signals a significant investment in youth empowerment and agricultural development, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to reduce unemployment, boost food production, and create sustainable livelihoods for Basotho citizens.