THE CHALLENGE
The Urgent Challenge We Face
Lesotho’s farmers face poor soils, shrinking harvests, and worsening climate shocks, with only 13% of land fit for agriculture. Changing weather patterns are threatening agriculture even further and worsening water scarcity. In rural areas, poverty remains high, remittances are falling, and food insecurity stretches nearly year-round. Without change, livelihoods and lives are on the line.
OUR SOLUTION
A Farming System Rooted in Resilience
MADF strengthens rural livelihoods by scaling the Machobane Farming System through hands-on training, peer learning, and tailored programs. We work with local partners to improve water use, promote crop diversity, and build resilience against climate shocks — empowering farmers to grow more, sustain more, and rely less on external aid.
OUR GOALS
TO SCALE THE MACHOBANE
FARMING SYSTEM (MFS)
We aim to expand the number of trained MFS practitioners and tutors to a critical mass, empowering communities to overcome poverty, achieve food security, and build lasting resilience from the ground up.
STRENGTHEN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION
To advance agricultural innovation by continuously improving the Machobane Farming System, promoting research, and sharing knowledge - ensuring farmers stay resilient, adaptive, and future-ready.
BUILD CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND RESTORE LAND
To promote sustainable farming practices that heal the soil, conserve water, and protect communities against climate shocks, securing a future where agriculture thrives under changing conditions.
TEAM AND TRUSTEES
Developed in the 1940s by Dr. James J. Machobane to drive out hunger, the Machobane Farming System (MFS) laid the foundation for lasting change. Building on this legacy, MADF was established in 1992 and became operational in 1997 to expand and sustain the system across Lesotho.
Dr James Jacob Machobane
Extraordinary Volunteer and Founder of MADF
ʹ′MeÌ€ Letlamoreng Mosenene
Trustee Emeritus/ President
Dr Lepoqo Stephen RalitsÌŒoele
MADF Manager
Clark Tibbits
Advisor to the Foundation
IMPACT
+- 3000 farmers practice the Machobane Farming System in the ten districts of Lesotho.
The majority of smallholder farmers practicing the Machobane Farming System in Lesotho report that, even under harsh climatic conditions, they are able to sustain their families and secure their livelihoods by effectively applying its principles and techniques.
