Thousands of Lesotho poultry farmers have been left stranded following the abrupt termination of a $31.4 million US-funded project, raising concerns over food security and income loss in one of Africa’s most import-dependent poultry markets.
The five-year Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) initiative, launched under the American Food for Progress programme in 2023, aimed to reduce Lesotho’s reliance on imported poultry by supporting up to 28,000 local enterprises by 2028.
The project was expected to boost meat production by 40 percent and egg production by 30 percent but after less than two years, it has been abruptly discontinued.
The STEPS project had been a lifeline for farmers in seven districts of Botha Bothe, Leribe, Berea, Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek and Quthing.
The Rural Self-Help Development Association, a local organisation that was working with the farmers, said the termination of the aid jeopardised Lesotho’s food security and economic prospects.
A meeting with farmer representatives is scheduled this week to chart a way forward.
Lesotho depends on neighbouring South Africa for most of its poultry requirements, with estimates saying the country imported more than 80 percent of its chickens and eggs.
The termination followed broader cuts in US aid funding since President Donald Trump took office in January, affecting programmes such as the United States Agency for International Development, US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
JN/APA