Berea, January 14 – The two-day Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) training began today in Sebitia for the Everlasting Nutrition Club and local farmers. The training, led by extension officer Mrs. Mampho Malefane, aims to equip participants with agribusiness skills and promote self-reliance in farming.
In attendance were club members and local farmers who grow a variety of vegetables, fruits, and raise livestock and poultry. The focus of the training is to shift mindsets from subsistence farming to market-oriented production.
Mrs. Malefane explained that SHEP was introduced in Lesotho in 2016 and piloted in several districts.
“Lives have changed because farmers no longer grow food just to eat, but also to sell. They are now able to identify their market and meet its needs,” she said.
The training emphasized teamwork, understanding market demand, and creating seasonal production calendars. Farmers were encouraged to start their planning with market research and then return to the market to sell. This strategy promotes consistency, competitiveness, and cost-saving through collaboration.
Farmers also received lessons in psychological empowerment; autonomy, competence, and relatedness helping them build independence, confidence, and cooperation. Mrs. Malefane warned against underselling due to pressure and emphasized standing firm on the value of their produce.
Participants engaged in practical sessions including plant spacing, crop calculations, and quizzes to assess their understanding.
The training continues tomorrow with more hands-on activities and planning exercises focused on sustainable agribusiness development.
Ends/MK/tl
