LESOTHO

ZERI Activities in Lesotho

Lesotho is a mountaneous county, with a cool climate, and with beautiful landscapes which exhibit tremendous ecotourism potential. The landscapes, the flora, the water resources, the traditional works of art and crafts, the traditional medicinal plants, etc, show many unique features. But with only 10% of the land suitable for cultivation, any new high value agricultural activity which requires relatively little space, which is environmentally friendly, and which offers new job opportunities amongst the youth and women, is welcome in Lesotho. Mushroom farming under the ZERI programme is considered as one of the most promising new economic activity.

The main agricultural crops grown in Lesotho are maize, sorghum, wheat, beans, peas, sunflower, fruits, and vegetables. The rearing of livestock is also an economic activity. The manufacture of beer, cotton textile, and garments are the key industrial activities. Cotton wastes from these two industries mixed with cereal straw, could serve could serve as good substrates for growing mushrooms under ZERI principles. Spent grain from Brewery industries could also be used. Due to relatively cool climate, Lentinula edodes Shiitake mushrooms could also be considered as a promising new mushroom species for farming in Lesotho. The cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum holds great potential and has generated a lot of interest, especially considering its role in promoting the body's immunorespense systems amongst HIV/AIDS victims. In view of the geographical location (all surrounded by the Republic of South Africa), the cultivation of these mushrooms has the potential of being very profitable, due to the potentially vast market: the surplus could be targeted for the South Africa market.

The project outlined above will form the core initial activities for the ZERI Programme in Lesotho. In addition to these, low cost housing initiatives, control of environmental degradation, control of ecotourism will be considered. Low-cost housing is particularly attractive being one of the most promising fast tract implementation projects. Sustained commitment and support from participating partners including UNDP Lesotho, National University of Lesotho (NUL) and relevant Government Ministries has been promised.

General Information about Lesotho

Capital city:
The capital city of Lesotho is Maseru
Area:
The country covers a total area of about: 30,355 sq km
Independence:
Lesotho became independent October, 4 1966 from UK
Population:
Estimated to be 2,177,062 People with estimated growth rate of 1.49% (as of July 2001)
Languages:
English and Sesotho are the official languages. With other languages being Zulu and Xosa
Agricultural products:
The agricultural products includes: corn, wheat, pulses, sorghum, barley; livestock