Former Ambassador Chief Thesele ‘Maseribane has emphasized the urgent need for Lesotho to increase investment in agriculture if the country is to achieve Priority One of the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) II Review Extension.
Sharing his vision for agricultural transformation, particularly with a focus on youth involvement, Chief ‘Maseribane said that agriculture holds the key to addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges—including youth unemployment and food insecurity.
He pointed out that while the outlook for 2025/2026 may appear bleak for many young people, agriculture offers a viable path forward through the adoption of smart farming practices. According to him, smart agriculture—defined by the use of advanced technologies and data-driven operations—has the potential to make farming more efficient, profitable, and appealing to younger generations.
“Young people are drawn to innovation and technology. By introducing smart agriculture methods, we are not just making farming attractive to them, but we are also equipping them with tools for long-term sustainability and economic empowerment,” he said.
Chief ‘Maseribane called for the alignment of national policies and funding to promote modern agricultural practices, increase access to resources such as land and financing, and provide training opportunities tailored to youth.
The NSDP II Review Extension places agriculture at the centre of national development, with Priority One focusing on inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector-led job creation. According to Chief ‘Maseribane, success in this area is only possible if agriculture is treated as a strategic sector and supported accordingly.
He concluded by urging stakeholders—government, private sector, and development partners—to collaborate in scaling up investment and innovation in agriculture to secure Lesotho’s future.
