Letsatsi Selikoe 

IN recent years, women have been making significant strides in the agricultural industry. 

They are breaking down traditional gender barriers and establishing themselves as powerful forces to be reckoned with. 

To fully grasp the importance of women in Lesotho’s agricultural landscape, it is crucial to understand the history of Basotho women in agriculture. 

Women have played a vital role in Lesotho’s agricultural sector for decades, even though they often faced significant challenges due to societal and cultural barriers. 

Historically, Lesotho’s agriculture has been shaped by the mass migration of Basotho men to work in South Africa’s gold and diamond mines, leaving women to take up the mantle of agricultural production. 

In the face of this challenging context, women forged ahead, taking on the roles of farmers, livestock herders, and food providers for their families and communities. 

Today, in a world where paradigms are rapidly shifting, women in Lesotho have once again risen to the challenge, transforming their subsistence farming into commercial ventures. 

These ventures are not only feeding their families but supporting them financially as well. Similarly, they are contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. 

Driven by a blend of tradition and innovation, these female farmers are blazing new trails, showing that agriculture is not only a matter of survival, but also an engine for growth and prosperity. 

Mary Hansen from Berea district, one of the movers and shakers in the agricultural sector, spoke passionately to the?Sunday Express?last week about her venture. 

Ms Hansen’s Farm, which has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture in Lesotho for several years, is a testament to the incredible potential of women in the field. 

By leveraging her knowledge of traditional farming practices, as well as incorporating modern techniques such as organic farming, Hansen has not only maintained the farm’s productivity, but also set an example for other women in the industry to follow. 

“We have come together as 12 women from different districts. We own large fields where we produce cabbage in high quantities as a demonstration of the power of togetherness,” she says. 

“We also produce cauliflower, broccoli, and lettuce, which we then neatly package and sell. We again grow different kinds of herbs and package them as well. These herbs can be used for cooking and various health purposes.” 

Ms Hansen’s insight is truly profound. 

The notion that women are powerful beings capable of working together and creating a sense of togetherness in agriculture is truly inspiring. 

Her emphasis on the potential of women to produce on a large scale when they collaborate effectively, underscores the critical role of women in ensuring food security and driving economic growth in the sector. 

Ms Hansen’s farm not only produces vegetables. She is also an avid poultry farmer who packages chicken under the name Hansen Chicken, which she then supplies to the local market. Of primary importance, she says, is to maintain fair pricing for her produce, with the packaged chickens ranging from M60 to M90 depending on the size. 

“Our chickens will not cost you more than M90. We don’t sell chickens at M100 or more like others out there are doing,” she says. 

By recognizing the strengths and potential of women in agriculture, Ms Hansen is not only challenging traditional gender roles, but also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry. 

Today, women are a driving force in Lesotho’s agricultural sector, playing a crucial role in the country’s food security and economic development. 

Although significant challenges remain, such as access to finance, land ownership rights, and limited access to agricultural extension services, many women have managed to overcome these obstacles through their resilience, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to the land. 

Ms Hansen further poignantly reminds us?that farming not only provides food but also represents an avenue for financial stability. 

Hers is a powerful message that highlights the critical role of women in sustaining the agricultural sector and, by extension, the well-being of their communities. 

“You don’t just go into farming because people are doing it. First of all you have to know what you are to focus on, then the market. You must know where to sell your products,” she adds. 

Her emphasis on the need for careful planning and preparation among female farmers is particularly insightful. 

She is advocating for women to approach agriculture with a keen understanding of their resources, the market demands, and their own strengths and interests. 

The success of women like Mary Hansen demonstrates that when given the opportunity and support, women can thrive in agriculture and make a significant impact on the sector. 

In her recent tour of Lesotho’s districts under the auspices of an International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) mission, to assess the work of female commercial farmers, ‘Mapalesa Selia highlighted that in a society where gender roles have often been rigidly defined, the project’s focus on landscape management provided women with new opportunities to step into roles traditionally reserved for men. 

By learning about and participating in the management of?landscapes, women aligned to IFAD developed a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of their communities and environment, thus leading to the success of their agricultural ventures. 

This understanding not only expanded their roles within their villages, but also empowered them with a new sense of agency and purpose.