Contribution of Makhaleng Farmers Association to farmers' livelihoods at ha Tlali, Maseru

Abstract

This study was conducted at Ha Tlali in Maseru district focusing on the contribution of Makhaleng Farmers Association (MFA) to farmers’ livelihoods. The objectives were to examine the impact of technology, climate change, stakeholders support and availability of markets to the farmers’ livelihoods. Qualitative approach was used to conduct the study where data was initially collected through one-on-one interviews with key informants and later using focus group discussions with members of MFA. The findings through thematic analysis revealed that the use of old and modern technology and stakeholders support contributed significantly to their livelihoods by improving food security, increasing income, improving well-being and reducing vulnerability though the use of old technology had some weaknesses. The data revealed that farmers were vulnerable to climate change; very low and high temperatures, heavy rainfall and drought which were increasing crop failure, loss of properties, introducing new pests that destroy the crops as a result the production was decreased. The findings also revealed that the potato market was very high in urban areas though farmers faced obstacles like. Lack of knowledge, lack of access to information, transport, storage and advanced technology are factors that enable the farmer to access the market. The study recommended that Makhaleng Farmers Association should be supported with training programmes every season of potato farming, advanced technology that will help them to increase production so that they can improve food security and income that will be used to attain human needs and reduce vulnerability.