The future of farming

Youth Leading the Future of Sustainable Farming in Lesotho

The future of farming in Lesotho is youthful, creative, and driven. Across the country, young people are stepping into agriculture with fresh perspectives—blending traditional wisdom with modern resilience. Among them is Maleballo Mokhathi, a rising agricultural leader whose passion reflects a powerful shift taking place in rural communities.

Meet Maleballo Mokhathi: A New Generation of Farmer

Maleballo is one of the many youth who are actively embracing the Machobane Farming System (MFS)—an indigenous, climate-smart approach that aligns perfectly with today’s environmental and economic challenges. Her enthusiasm for learning and applying MFS principles highlights a growing recognition among young people: sustainable farming is not just a livelihood… it’s a pathway to self-reliance, dignity, and long-term stability.

Why MFS Could Resonate with Young Farmers

The Machobane Farming System can be particularly attractive to young people because it:

• Reduces dependency on fertilisers, GMOs, and costly machinery

• Supports year-round food production through relay cropping

• Encourages independence and full ownership of one’s field

• Aligns with global sustainability and environmental goals

• Fits into small land sizes often available to younger farmers

Cultivating Tomorrow: Youth as Agents of Change

By stepping forward with curiosity and commitment, Maleballo joins a growing movement of young Basotho who are redefining what agriculture looks like. Their participation signals hope—hope for food security, hope for thriving local economies, and hope for a generation that is ready to lead with courage and creativity.

When young farmers invest in sustainable systems, they’re doing more than feeding their families.
They are cultivating the resilient future that Lesotho deserves.

MADF celebrates Maleballo and all the youth who are choosing to grow, learn, and lead. Their hands are planting more than crops—they are planting the seeds of transformation.