Maseru, Lesotho – 15–16 July 2025
FANRPAN, in partnership with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) through the Africa Climate Change Resilience Alliance (AICCRA) project, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security of Lesotho, successfully convened a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing gender-responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Lesotho. The event brought together a diverse group of women farmer leaders, researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue.
During the workshop, participants documented indigenous agricultural practices and explored the barriers women face in adopting CSA techniques. The discussions also focused on generating actionable, gender-responsive policy recommendations and investment strategies tailored to advancing Lesotho’s CSA agenda. Furthermore, the workshop resulted in the establishment of a Community of Practice (CoP), designed to ensure the continuity of collaboration and promote peer learning among participants.
Mr. Suwilanji Sinyangwe from FANRPAN provided the foundational context for the dialogue, situating the discussions within FANRPAN’s broader mission to establish evidence-based platforms that address the intersections of gender, climate, and agriculture.
Key sessions at the workshop included valuable insights from Professor Makoala V. Maraka of the University of Lesotho, who addressed the gender gaps in climate adaptation. These insights were complemented by facilitated discussions led by Dr. John Recha from ILRI and AICCRA. During these sessions, farmers shared their lived experiences, covering topics such as water innovation and organic soil management, while also highlighting ongoing challenges related to financing, input quality, and market access.
In the Picture: Mr. Suwilanji Sinyangwe (FANRPAN)
The workshop concluded with tangible commitments, including the establishment of an eight-member Community of Practice (CoP) dedicated to advancing gender-responsive Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). Additionally, a policy brief will be developed and targeted at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and the Ministry of Gender.
This initiative underscores FANRPAN’s unwavering commitment to supporting CSA initiatives and fostering collaborative partnerships with organizations such as the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA). Through these efforts, FANRPAN continues to champion evidence-based policies that integrate gender equity, indigenous knowledge, and climate resilience within food systems.