Environmental research

Dairy industry has experienced a high sensitivity to the climatic variations that have been experienced in Lesotho over the past decade. Crop production has been particularly impacted by changing climate trends, coupled with soil fertility loss, which have seen higher traditional crop failure due to late rain and early winter (frost) conditions. Fodder production has become a limiting factor in dairy productivity, so this project is addressing the crop failure by turning to fodder production as land rehabilitation and adaptation strategy, an income generating activity; and building fodder banks to relieve the livestock during drought periods. The proposed project site is in the southern lowlands of Lesotho, classified as a low potential area; with dairy farming considered a strong option or a key for eradicating poverty and enhancing food security. However progress is hindered by increasing variation in climate patterns and lack of knowledge on feeding technology. This project intends to promote the increased productivity and resilience to climate variations that can be experienced through the production of fodder and the application of improved practices for storage and fodder banks. The main objective of the project will be achieved through: i. Appropriate and correct selection of crops for fodder production ii. Increased farmers knowledge of managing all aspects of fodder production cycle iii. Capacity building in undertaking feed mixing (to be funded through SADP). iv. Documentation and Communication It is anticipated that growing demand for animal feeds will exert positive influence on project sustainability. The project has been designed in such a way that it will enable to develop market chain among forage crop producers, feed producers and livestock farmers in the participating members and farming households in the Community Councils in which the project operates. The other factor stimulating project sustainability is in the integration of both crop and livestock producers and feed preparation located in the villages among the communities. This project is being implemented in conjunction with an initiative under the SADP (Small Holder Agricultural Development) program which is focused on the processing side of the feed mixing process. The two projects will complement each other to ensure that the entire feed production cycle is included in operations and therefore that the feed mixing process can be sustainable.

Lesotho