Lesotho Strengthens Agricultural Value Chains Through OCOP Initiative

Since its launch in 2021, the “Country Led, Country Owned” One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative has engaged over 95 countries in promoting strategic agricultural products. Through the FAO-supported OCOP program, Lesotho is one of five African beneficiary countries, alongside Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, and Sudan. The initiative currently covers 56 key agricultural products across crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries.

A recent high-level event reviewed the progress of OCOP implementation across participating countries and reaffirmed political commitment to positioning the initiative as a strategic priority for sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

In his remarks, His Majesty King Letsie III praised the FAO for establishing the OCOP Initiative, describing it as an effective framework to strengthen value chains of priority products. He identified potato as Lesotho’s OCOP product and highlighted its potential to address value chain challenges, including limited seed access, weak markets, and low mechanization.

His Majesty emphasized that potato production can empower rural women and attract youth by providing sustainable income opportunities. The initiative supports Lesotho’s broader goals of reducing unemployment, improving livelihoods, and enhancing socio-economic development in rural communities.

By participating in the OCOP Initiative, Lesotho is reinforcing its commitment to agricultural innovation and value chain development. The program positions the country to maximize the socio-economic impact of its priority agricultural products while contributing to regional efforts for sustainable agrifood systems.