PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Lesotho Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS)

Increasing agricultural productivity for poultry producers in Lesotho through improved inputs, services, finance, and market linkages.
2023 – 2028

The Kingdom of Lesotho relies primarily on trade for sustenance, importing nearly 80 percent of all poultry products consumed in the country. In partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA), and World Poultry Foundation (WPF), Land O’Lakes Venture37 is implementing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Lesotho Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) project to transform Lesotho’s poultry sector through private sector enhancements that will boost markets in Lesotho’s poultry sector. In Lesotho, there are two broad market categories of poultry: products derived from dual-purpose chickens and from commercial single-purpose chickens. Dual-purpose chickens are hardy, but slow growing, while single-purpose chickens are extremely efficient, but require more maintenance. Most imports and poultry sold in Lesotho’s formal markets are single-purpose chickens. The STEPS project will develop both dual and single-purpose poultry markets to meet both existing consumer demand and commercial producer preferences.

By the end of the project, STEPS will enhance the profitability of 35,000 value chain actors and increase meat and egg production by up to 40 and 30 percent, respectively. Ultimately, these changes will boost food security and poultry markets in Lesotho.

PROJECT FOCUS AREAS

1. Improving the Quality of Lesotho’s Poultry Sector.

STEPS is segmenting and supporting the complex commercial poultry market in Lesotho leveling up each segment through tools, technical assistance, and financing to ensure end market access and quality on par with poultry imports.

2. Fostering Economies of Scale

Through piloting innovations and financing to scale successful models, STEPS is increasing retail and consumption of local poultry products, enabling the Lesotho poultry sector to compete regionally on quantity and price.

3. Stimulating Innovation, Investment, and Employment.

The STEPS Poultry Challenge Fund will stimulate the development of solutions to address gaps across the value chain, while a poultry investment fund will reduce risks in lending and incentivize the expansion of businesses.

COUNTRY CONTEXT

Lesotho

Nearly three quarters of Lesotho’s population reside in rural areas, while half are engaged in agricultural activities. Under the Lesotho Food and Nutrition Policy 2016 –2025, the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho aims to achieve reliable production, supply, and utilization of safe, adequate, affordable, and nutritious foods. However, it relies on imports for the majority of its food.