Lesotho poultry sector to form new industry association

LESOTHO – The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition in Lesotho is working with poultry farmers and other partners to create a national body aimed at organizing the poultry industry.

Officials confirmed that groundwork for the Lesotho Poultry Industry Association (LePIA) had been completed, with a draft framework prepared to guide its formation and objectives.

The document is expected to serve as a reference point for regulating poultry production, ensuring structured growth, and promoting sustainable practices.

To oversee its development, an interim committee has been chosen and will operate for three years while setting up the association.

The committee includes Kelebone Leisanyane as chairperson, Teboho Moekoa as vice chairperson, Rethabile Mokaeane as secretary, and Alida Matsa as deputy secretary.

Officials indicated that the group’s combined knowledge of agriculture and business will help steer the association in its initial stages.

Committee priorities and challenges

According to the Director of Marketing, Lekhooe Makhakhe, there must be a fair balance of influence among committee members so that no single party dominates decision-making.

He said that while the association should be supported during its establishment, it is expected to become self-reliant and operate without direct government funding.

Makhakhe also noted that the committee must secure financial backing from both public and private investors rather than depend on individual contributions that could slow down activities.

Regular coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture will also be required to deal with difficulties that arise and to keep projects moving forward.

Impact on poultry farming

Makhakhe described the creation of LePIA as a step toward addressing sector-specific issues such as biosecurity, limited market access, and the quality of poultry products.

He added that the association is intended to act as a link between farmers, businesses, and regulators while setting standards for industry operations.

The ministry believes that once established, LePIA will strengthen collaboration within the poultry industry and encourage consistent production levels.

Officials have also said that the association could improve prospects for small and medium farmers, while opening up opportunities for related businesses.

In the longer term, the initiative is expected to contribute to the country’s wider economic activity through an organized and more productive poultry sector.

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