Vegetable Crops Research Highlights Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices in Lesotho

Strategic Insights -

A recent study in the Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Lesotho has shed light on the adoption and impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices among vegetable farmers in the Maseru District, Lesotho. The research aimed to assess the extent of CSA practice implementation, identify barriers hindering their uptake, and examine their influence on farmers' income. The study found that small-scale irrigation and organic manure application were the most commonly adopted practices, while adoption of greenhouses and keyhole gardens remained low. The main barriers to CSA adoption were identified as lack of knowledge and financial constraints.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small-scale irrigation (89.82%) and organic manure application (89.22%) were the most commonly adopted climate-smart agriculture practices among vegetable farmers in the Maseru District, Lesotho.
  • Greenhouses (4.79%) and keyhole gardens (28.14%) were adopted at a lower rate compared to other practices.
  • Lack of knowledge and financial constraints were identified as major barriers to climate-smart agriculture adoption.
  • Regression analysis showed that small-scale irrigation had a significant positive effect on farmers' monthly income (b = 1.40; p < 0.01).
  • The study surveyed 180 vegetable farmers using a cross-sectional survey design and collected quantitative data through structured questionnaires.
  • The research was conducted by investigators from the National University of Lesotho, Faculty of Agriculture, and published in the Visegrad Journal on Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development.

Statistics:

  • 89.82% of vegetable farmers adopted small-scale irrigation.
  • 89.22% of vegetable farmers adopted organic manure application.
  • 4.79% of vegetable farmers adopted greenhouses.
  • 28.14% of vegetable farmers adopted keyhole gardens.
  • Small-scale irrigation had a significant positive effect on farmers' monthly income (b = 1.40; p < 0.01).
  • The study was conducted among 180 vegetable farmers in the Maseru District, Lesotho.

Sources:

  • Adoption and Impact of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices Among Vegetable Farmers in Maseru District, Lesotho. Visegrad Journal on Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development, 2025,14(1):13-17.
  • Faculty of Agriculture Researchers Update Current Data on Vegetable Crops (Adoption and Impact of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices Among Vegetable Farmers in Maseru District, Lesotho). Agriculture Week, August 21, 2025; p 26.