Lesotho Launches Poultry Project to Tackle Rural Poverty and Boost Employment

Lesotho continues to struggle with rural poverty and inclusive social development, with the economy heavily dependent on agriculture. The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that 56 percent of households cannot afford a nutritious diet, while poor households remain vulnerable to economic shocks, trapped in a cycle of low investment, productivity, and income.

In response, Peka Constituency has launched a poultry project, engaging various community sectors to create employment and address hunger. The initiative began last month under the guidance of the constituency’s Member of Parliament.

Speaking to the Agency on Friday, Media Representative for RFP Peka Constituency, Mr. Letlatsa Lipholo, explained that the project aligns with Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane’s June 2025 speech. The government announced plans to generate at least 70,000 jobs through labour-intensive initiatives in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and other sectors. The poultry project is a direct response to this directive.

The initiative aims to provide employment and enhance food security within the constituency. Youth participants have already begun work, while 56 churches in Peka Constituency each received 100 chickens, poultry feed including starter, grower, and finisher, stress packs, paraffin, and feeding utensils last week. Each church received two bags of starter, grower, and finisher feed.

Mr. Lipholo emphasized that the churches are expected to generate income from the project while ensuring its sustainability. Churches were selected as key participants because many community members feel more comfortable engaging through their places of worship. Community councilors assisted in identifying the 56 participating churches.

The long-term plan includes establishing a large poultry factory to supply chickens nationwide. In addition to churches, the MP distributed 200 chickens to the RFP Peka Constituency Committee, Youth Committee, Women’s Committee, and Men’s Committee, along with chicken feed, paraffin, and stress packs.

Community Councilor of Ha Kotola, Mr. Ketso Ramoepane, highlighted the project’s benefits. He noted that since the project began, youth have stayed engaged and refrained from criminal activities, which were previously prevalent among young men in the area.

The poultry project reflects the Prime Minister’s key employment initiatives announced in June 2025. With youth unemployment affecting nearly 49 percent of young people, the government has prioritized urgent interventions. This is the first project of its kind within Peka Constituency, providing a model for community-led solutions to poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.