Just-launched facility offers state-of-the-art services, and promises to boost business
Lesotho's small farmers struggle with two major challenges: the rotting or ruin of products after harvest and access to finance.
A new market that opened in Maseru, Lesotho, on 9 March will directly address these impediments to both incomes and the country's exports. Farmers can now drop off their harvests of fruits and vegetables, which are then cleaned, packed and refrigerated for further distribution. They can also be paid for their goods directly.
Lesotho is investing in this work with an eye to improving livelihoods, easing exports and enhancing market access for the diverse crops being cultivated in the country. The market was opened by Prime Minister Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, with Trade and Industry Minister Tefo Mapesela, International Trade Centre (ITC) Executive Director Arancha González and Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Executive Director Ratnakar Adhikari in attendance.