Commodity credit corporation will usefood resources to introduce and expand food resources in lesotho

This $31,392,529 Cooperative Agreement was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food for Progress (CFDA 10.606) program to provide agricultural development support in Lesotho. The primary awardee, Land O'Lakes Venture37, will use the funding to introduce and expand food resources in Lesotho, with a focus on improving poultry production and supporting agricultural market development.

Key project activities include:

• Providing technical assistance, training, and capacity building to poultry producers, extension workers, and other stakeholders to increase access to improved poultry production information and practices
• Expanding access to dual-purpose and single-purpose poultry breeds through strengthening local breeding and distribution infrastructure
• Improving poultry health services and vaccination programs in coordination with the Government of Lesotho
• Conducting applied research to optimize poultry production for Lesotho's climate and socioeconomic conditions
• Integrating actions to meaningfully enhance opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women and youth, in the poultry sector

The award includes sub-grants to the International Livestock Research Institute, World Poultry Foundation, and Rural Self-Help Development Association to contribute their specialized expertise in areas such as poultry breeding, health, and extension service delivery.