The contribution of potato seed farming to the livelihoods of the farm households at Semonkong and Ha Marakabei in Maseru District, Lesotho
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National University of Lesotho
Abstract
This study investigated the contribution of seed potato farming to the livelihoods of farm
households at Semonkong and Ha Marakabei (in Lesotho) as well as the surrounding communities.
The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) was used in the research study to explore the
different variables of seed potato producers including their demographic characteristics, household
size, gender, age, educational background/level, land ownership, agricultural practices, sources of
the agricultural inputs, land size, quantity of seed potato planted, quality of seed potato harvested,
marketing strategies and the challenges and threats experienced.
Mixed methods, using quantitative and qualitative approaches, were employed. Simple random
and purposive sampling techniques were used. Data was gathered using face to face interviews
and the research tool was administered to three Seed Potato Producers’ Associations. The study
was designed in such a way that the ethics were highly considered, ensuring informed consent,
confidentiality, as well as respect for the respondents’ cultural values and practices during the
entire research process.
The findings indicate that seed potato farming in rural households’ livelihoods is very important
for both the youths and the adults who are faced with limited formal job employment. It generally
generates income and sustains food and nutrition security in farm households. This contribution
is beneficial even to the entire surrounding communities because other, non–farm, households get
agricultural casual labour opportunities such as weeding and harvesting. The study reveals that
the basic seed potato is imported from South Africa, increasing the cost of production for the
farmers. The government remains the main buyer of these seed potatoes from the local farmers in
bulk.
The study further found that seed potato farming is a potential employer in the rural areas and that
the government should initiate the necessary supporting programmes to upscale it. These
interventions should include extensive capacity building of the farmers on climate smart
agricultural technologies, using both indigenous and modern equipment.