By: Mpho Shelile

MASERU

In a significant step toward combating poverty and unemployment, a group of 120 aspiring fish farmers in Lesotho recently received their certificates after completing an intensive training program on sustainable fish farming. The training, spearheaded by Makhoboso Shale, the visionary founder of Eternity Foods, marked a major milestone in the country’s drive to enhance food security and create new job opportunities through aquaculture.

Shale, whose passion for community empowerment runs deep, recognised the potential of aquaculture as a sustainable solution to Lesotho’s growing food insecurity. Her initiative aims to not only address the critical shortage of locally produced fish but also to offer an alternative livelihood for farmers in a nation where agricultural opportunities are often constrained by challenging terrain and limited resources.

With the global demand for fish continuing to rise, Makhoboso Shale has placed her bet on fish farming as an innovative way to contribute to Lesotho’s economic and food security needs. Eternity Foods has taken proactive steps to ensure the success of this venture by equipping farmers with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive in this sector. The training, which took place on September 2, 2024, covered essential aspects of aquaculture, including pond management, water quality control, sustainable fish breeding, and fish health management.

“By integrating aquaculture into our local agricultural practices, we are not just introducing a new method of food production but also creating a ripple effect, bringing jobs, improving food security, and decreasing the country’s reliance on imported fish,” Shale explained.

The training program, which spanned several weeks, also focused on key agricultural practices, including crop production, ensuring that participants received a holistic education on farming. This comprehensive approach allows farmers to diversify their production, making them more resilient and financially sustainable in the long run.

Farmers were introduced to the intricacies of setting up and managing fish ponds, maintaining healthy fish populations, and keeping water sources clean and safe. They also learned valuable skills in business management, such as bookkeeping, pricing, and packaging. Shale emphasised that empowering farmers with entrepreneurial skills is critical for the long-term success of the aquaculture industry.

“We believe that education is key,” Shale said. “We want to equip these farmers not only with technical skills but also with the ability to turn their farming ventures into profitable businesses.”

While the program has already empowered a significant number of farmers, challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues, according to Shale, is the lack of funding to dig fish ponds, which remains a barrier for many small-scale farmers eager to enter the industry.

“We are committed to helping these farmers, but we need additional support from the government,” Shale urged. “I hope that the government will recognise the potential of aquaculture to transform our rural economy and invest more in this sector. With their support, we can overcome financial barriers and take aquaculture to new heights.”

Shale further stated that in the coming week, through the HerVerFish Organic Farmers Lesotho initiative, another training session will be held to further address the needs of the community. This new session will focus on advanced topics such as bookkeeping, pricing strategies, packaging, and ensuring that farmers meet local and international market standards.

Mr. Sekhonyana Shemane Nkuatsana, a successful fish farmer in his remarks congratulated all farmers. “Today marks a major achievement for these farmers, and we are excited about the future. Our vision for this year is for every farmer here to take what they have learned and work together to scale up fish farming in Lesotho. We must unite and support each other to build a sustainable aquaculture industry,” Nkuatsana said.

On behalf of the farmers, Ms. Mapalesa Julia Matonangoane, a recent graduate and aspiring fish farmer, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this transformative program. “The training has been helpful,” Mapalesa shared. “I’ve already built my fish pond, and now I just need help with acquiring fish to start operating. I hope the government will assist us in this regard so we can begin our journey.”

Mapalesa’s dream is shared by many of her peers: to not only start successful fish farms but to expand them to meet the growing demand for locally sourced fish. “My dream is for all of us who have received training to become successful aquaculture farmers and contribute to serving larger markets. I am ready to get to work,” she added.

As the program moves forward, the farmers are more determined than ever to put their new knowledge into practice. The focus is clear: to cultivate a thriving fish farming industry that will provide fresh, locally produced fish to Lesotho’s markets, create jobs, and empower communities to become self-sufficient.