US-Backed Program Sparks Poultry Boom in Lesotho, Despite Early End

Lesotho’s poultry industry has experienced a surge of growth and transformation over the past year, driven by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress STEPS (Sustainable Transition and Economic Progress for Poultry Sector) program. Implemented by Land O’Lakes Venture37, the initiative set out to turn poultry farming into a modern, profitable, and resilient enterprise—equipping farmers with the skills, resources, and confidence to compete and thrive.

Source: apanews.net

Farmers across the country benefited from intensive, hands-on training that introduced advanced flock management, improved biosecurity measures, and smarter feeding strategies designed to cut losses and boost production. The program didn’t just teach techniques—it built networks. Partnerships between farmers, cooperatives, and local agribusinesses began to flourish, with tailored training manuals ensuring that knowledge stayed rooted in Lesotho’s unique farming environment.

The program’s success owed much to its collaborative spirit. By working closely with agricultural institutions, community leaders, and development partners, STEPS bridged global expertise with local realities. Infrastructure upgrades and access to technical mentorship allowed farmers to adopt practices that were once out of reach, sparking hope for stronger rural economies and greater national food security.

That momentum, however, faced a sudden blow when U.S. government funding cuts forced an early end to the program. Expansion plans and follow-up projects were left on the drawing board, yet the foundations already laid remain a valuable asset. Training materials, technical assessments, and the farmer networks created under STEPS continue to circulate, sustaining the progress made.

What the program achieved in a short time has become a model for future agricultural development in Lesotho. It underscores the power of sustained investment, community engagement, and adaptable training to transform livelihoods. While STEPS may have been cut short, its influence is still alive in the fields and chicken coops of farmers determined to grow their businesses and strengthen the nation’s food supply.

Even in its absence, STEPS leaves behind more than memories—it leaves a roadmap, proving that well-planned, skill-driven initiatives can spark change that outlives the funding behind them.