Food to Lesotho

Today, transport of food aid to Lesotho from South Africa begins. The small, landlocked neighbour is currently experiencing a food crisis.

This forms part of an agreement between South Africa and the United Nations World Food Program in which South Africa donated R180 million (about USD 18 million) to help alleviate the food crisis next door. Maize (corn) will be non-GM (genetically modified), and 40 percent of it will purchased from smallholder farmers here. All the other food commodities will also come from local suppliers of pulses, salt, oil and fish.

Food security is what agriculture is all about, of course. Some human beings produce surplus food so that the rest of us can get on with other jobs. The Agri Handbook covers the entire agricultural value chain in South Africa. Chapters include Biotechnology, Food security and smallholder farmer support.