Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security Celebrates Poultry Farming Success at SADP 2 Farmers’ Day in Matholeng Mafeteng

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security through the SADP 2 Project hosted a Farmers’ Day in Matholeng, Mafeteng on 14 April 2026, focusing on celebrating agricultural progress and farmer development. The event highlighted real success stories emerging from structured government support aimed at improving food production and rural livelihoods. A key focus of the day was poultry farming, particularly egg-laying chicken production, which continues to grow as a viable income-generating activity in the district. Farmers gathered to share experiences, reflect on progress, and learn from practical achievements within the programme. The event reinforced the importance of agricultural transformation as a tool for economic empowerment.

A central moment of the Farmers’ Day was the recognition of Ms. Maserialong Dlamini, a poultry farmer who successfully completed her journey within the SADP 2 project. Ms. Palesa Mare, Director of the Ha Ramokoatsi Agricultural Centre, explained that the purpose of the event was to honour farmers who have shown measurable success through project support. Ms. Dlamini was recognised for her work in egg-laying chicken farming, where she demonstrated consistent growth and improved production outcomes. Her story was used as a practical example of how targeted agricultural interventions can change the scale of farming operations. The recognition also served to motivate other farmers to pursue similar growth paths.

Ms. Dlamini shared her experience during the event and expressed gratitude for the support received through the project. She explained that she initially managed around 500 chickens, which were kept in a small coop that limited productivity and efficiency. The poor housing conditions affected her ability to expand operations and maintain optimal production levels. Through the SADP 2 support, she received a proper poultry structure designed to improve farming conditions and biosecurity. This upgrade allowed her to scale her operation significantly, increasing her flock to approximately 1,400 chickens and improving overall output.

The expansion of her poultry farm reflects the impact of combining infrastructure support with technical agricultural assistance. With improved housing and increased capacity, Ms. Dlamini was able to operate more efficiently and manage a larger production system. The increase in chicken numbers also created opportunities for higher egg production, which strengthens her income potential. This growth demonstrates how targeted investment in farming infrastructure can directly influence productivity and sustainability. It also highlights the importance of providing farmers with both physical resources and ongoing technical guidance.

The Director of the Department of Agriculture in Mafeteng District, Ms. Mamaholi Mphutlane, praised Ms. Dlamini for her outstanding performance and commitment to agricultural development. She encouraged farmers in attendance to use their experience not only for subsistence but also to build commercial agricultural enterprises. She emphasized the importance of treating farming as a business that requires planning, discipline, and continuous improvement. Farmers were also reminded to take advantage of available government projects, noting that many of these initiatives are time-bound and require timely participation. The message reinforced the need for farmers to act decisively in order to benefit from development opportunities.

The Farmers’ Day in Matholeng Mafeteng demonstrated the practical impact of the SADP 2 Project in supporting agricultural transformation at grassroots level. It showed how structured support can help farmers move from small-scale production to more sustainable and commercially viable operations. The success of Ms. Dlamini stands as a clear example of what can be achieved through coordinated investment, training, and infrastructure development. The event also strengthened collaboration between government officials and farmers, creating a shared commitment to improving food security. It concluded with a strong message that agriculture remains a key driver of economic growth and rural development in the region.