A SELF-RELIANT LESOTHO ROOTED IN THE SOIL GET INVOLVED Through the Machobane Farming System, MADF equips communities with sustainable, climate-smart farming skills, growing stronger farms, healthier families, and resilient livelihoods. THE CHALLENGE The Urgent Challenge We Face Lesotho’s farmers face poor soils, shrinking harvests, and worsening climate shocks, with only 13% of land fit for agriculture. Changing weather patterns are threatening agriculture even further and worsening water scarcity. In rural areas, poverty remains high, remittances are falling, and food insecurity stretches nearly year-round. Without change, livelihoods and lives are on the line. ABOUT MADF OUR SOLUTION A Farming System Rooted in Resilience MADF strengthens rural livelihoods by scaling the Machobane Farming System through hands-on training, peer learning, and tailored programs. We work with local partners to improve water use, promote crop diversity, and build resilience against climate shocks — empowering farmers to grow more, sustain more, and rely less on external aid. WHAT IS MFS OUR GOALS TO SCALE THE MACHOBANE FARMING SYSTEM (MFS) We aim to expand the number of trained MFS practitioners and tutors to a critical mass, empowering communities to overcome poverty, achieve food security, and build lasting resilience from the ground up. STRENGTHEN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND INNOVATION To advance agricultural innovation by continuously improving the Machobane Farming System, promoting research, and sharing knowledge - ensuring farmers stay resilient, adaptive, and future-ready. BUILD CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND RESTORE LAND To promote sustainable farming practices that heal the soil, conserve water, and protect communities against climate shocks, securing a future where agriculture thrives under changing conditions. OUR WORK TEAM AND TRUSTEES Developed in the 1940s by Dr. James J. Machobane to drive out hunger, the Machobane Farming System (MFS) laid the foundation for lasting change. Building on this legacy, MADF was established in 1992 and became operational in 1997 to expand and sustain the system across Lesotho. Dr James Jacob Machobane Extraordinary Volunteer and Founder of MADF ʹ′Mè Letlamoreng Mosenene Trustee Emeritus/ President Dr Lepoqo Stephen Ralitšoele MADF Manager Clark Tibbits Advisor to the Foundation THE TEAM IMPACT +- 3000 farmers practice the Machobane Farming System in the ten districts of Lesotho. The majority of smallholder farmers practicing the Machobane Farming System in Lesotho report that, even under harsh climatic conditions, they are able to sustain their families and secure their livelihoods by effectively applying its principles and techniques. ACHIEVEMENTS INDUSTRY Donors and Sponsors Public institutions, foundations, and private individuals and companies make it possible for MADF to strengthen livelihoods across Lesotho. We extend our sincere gratitude to all our supporters, with special recognition given to our major donors listed. DONATE

Board of Trustees The team that makes it happen. LEADERSHIP TEAM BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Foundation operates under the guidance of eight trustees in three categories. Category I: Trustee Emeritus who holds the honorary presidency of the organisation with no voting rights. Category II: Four trustees who are not direct beneficiaries but are appointed based on their commitment to the aims and purposes of the Foundation and offer special talents to the Foundation. Category III: Three trustees appointed from among practitioners and are active beneficiaries of the Foundation’s programs. 1992 MADF Founding Trustees MADF Board Members / Trustees Category I Category II Category III Founder and President of MADF Chairman Co-Chairman Treasurer Ordinary Member Farming Member Farming Member Farming Member Secretary to the BOT Dr James Jacob Machobane M.P Mohome Thabo T.E Pitso S.T Mokatse Letla Mosenene E.T. Letata later C.Mzizi M.J. Morobe Israel T. Mokuoane Clark Tibbits later Sebina Sekoli Lecturer of sociology at NUL Educator and retired Principal of Thabeng High School Accountant Research Lead at SWACAP Farmer from Botha-Bothe Farmer from Botha-Bothe Farmer from Leribe MADF Manager 2008 MADF Board Members / Trustees Category I Category II Category III Trustritus/President Chairman Treasurer Ordinary Member Ordinary Member Farming Member Farming Member Farming Member Secretary to the BOT Letla Mosenene Thabo T.E Pitso Lenyora. T Mokuoane Stephen L. Ralitsoele Liphapang T. Tuoane Petrose M.Ngozo Makalimo J.Morobe Thabo Leisa Sehalakane Mohapeloa YEAR MADF Board Members / Trustees Category I Category II Category II Trustritus/President Chair woman Treasurer Ordinary Member Ordinary Member Farming Member Farming Member Farming Member Secretary to the BOT Letla Mosenene Mme 'Mantoetse Jobo Ntate Matsobane Putsoa Mme 'Maseabata Ntoanyane Dr V. Mashinini Dr Set`sabi Set`sabi Stephen L. Ralitsoele Current board of Trustees Ntate Thabo T. E. Pitso Chairman A co-founder of the MADF, he is an educator and a former principal of Thabeng High School, has served in various positions within the Ministry of Education including the Lesotho College of Education. He is a researcher, author and consultant in linguistics. Ntate Liphapang T. Tuoane Member A former high school teacher, he is an economist by profession and has served as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning; the highest technical position within the Lesotho government. He has worked as a consultant for the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority. ʹ′Mè ʹ′Makalimo J. Morobe Member (farmer) A retired primary school teacher and principal of Mopeli primary school. She is currently engaged in smallholder agriculture, very knowledgeable in indigenous medicinal plants. She is the co-founder of MADF. Ntate Lenyora Mokuoane Treasurer A commercial farmer of crops and livestock with a vast experience in poultry production. Mr Mokuoane is a building construction contractor who was formally trained in MFS in the early 1960s. He has also served as a board member of the Lerotholi Polytechnic Institute. Ntate Petrose M. Ngozo Member A highly motivated and innovative farmer who applies the low external input MFS techniques in vegetable production, setting an example to his community of Pholonamane in the Botha Bothe district. Member (farmer) - Vacant Assistant Manager & Programme Manager - Training - Open position Accountant - Open position Leadeship LEADERSHIP TEAM ʹ′Mè Letlamoreng Mosenene Trustee Emeritus/President A forester and nature conservationist who has worked extensively with non-governmental and governmental agencies in Lesotho and elsewhere in Africa; is a co-founder of the Machobane Agricultural Development Foundation. She was acquainted with JJ Machobane’s books long before she led field trials of the Machobane Farming System and led its re-introduction in the early 1990s through a team of trainers that brought the system to all the districts in the country. LEADERSHIP TEAM Dr Lepoqo Stephen Ralitšoele MADF Manager Former lecturer and principal of Lesotho Agricultural College and former Director of Agricultural Research Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS); current MADF’s chief researcher in view of climate change which is worrying to MFS practitioners and smallholder farmers in general. Dr. Ralitšoele studied in Europe and was always impressed by how Europeans talked about best practices they had in farming, production of cheese and wine, livestock and in natural resource conservation. When he returned home to Lesotho he looked for best practices in the country for Basotho people. In this search, he met with Dr JJ Machobane and found that the best farming system in Lesotho is the Machobane Farming System (MFS) and he never stopped to advocate for the system among students he taught, fellow researchers and in international meetings and workshops. Volunteers Clark Tibbits Programme Advisor Clark Tibbits is a planning consultant and former university administrator and lecturer as well as a practitioner of the Machobane Farming System in the United States. He first heard of JJ Machobane’s success in growing potatoes and training poor village farmers as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho in the 1960s. When they finally met twenty years later and further understood the Machobane farming, Clark says “as soon as I recognized its potential, we enlisted a group of its advocates; encouraged Machobane, then 75, to once again promote his farming system and put him in touch with colleagues and donors who might provide support”. And with his support the farming system was registered as a not-for-profit (non profit making), non-denominational, non- governmental organization named after the designer: Machobane Agricultural Development Foundation (MADF). Clark has continued as an informal advisor to the Foundation since that time. ʹ′Mè Lipalesa Sissie Matela Fundraising and Programme Monitoring a Soil Scientist and an accredited environmental assessment practitioner with over thirty years of experience working in integrated community resource management mostly in the rural areas of Lesotho and South Africa; she has been Director at Environmental and Rural Solutions for more than10 years. A specialist in environmental assessments, tourism planning, community capacity building in natural resource management and development of community institutions. Dr Jamal Mohammed Agronomist Dr Mohammed is an agronomist with several years of experience in research, teaching and extension. He has interest in working with subsistence farmers and believes that subsistence farmers have much to offer to the wellbeing of humanity in general. He started working with MADF soon after he joined the National University of Lesotho in 1991. He played a leading role in evaluation and promotion of farmers own land races (especially sorghum in Lesotho). He cooperated with NGOs to promote MFS in different areas and encouraged students to critically look into the system. He is at present promoting Effective Microorganisms Technology in selected African countries including Ethiopia. He believes that EM technology combined with MFS will go a long way in solving the issue of low crop yield and soil fertility. He is willing to cooperate with the MADF in any possible way as need be. ʹ′Mè Nora Klass Senior Field School Training Officer A trainee and protégé of Dr JJ Machobane for more than 30 years; she is the most knowledgeable on the field practice of MFS. History of Ntate Machob DR. JAMES JACOB MACHOBANE The Extraordinary Volunteer and Founder of MADF A visionary and leader; he was fearless, speaking his mind openly in support of what he believed in despite it being viewed as unorthodox, inspiring his fellow men and women to self- reliance by skillful blending of agriculture and elements of their very own culture. The strength of his will and determination has outlived opposition, prejudice, even ridicule to become a living example, a beacon that where there is a will there is a way. His burning desire and key motivation – to help his people to “drive out hunger” for he had concluded that it is hunger that deprives his people of independent thought, to be bound to their employers as a dog is to its master (Ntšeli 2001). JJ as was popularly nicknamed, was concerned with the attitude of those formally educated in the school system of Lesotho that seemed to uphold white-collar jobs over farming. He stressed over and over again that, “everything goes back to this one thing, agriculture”. He was further disturbed that when calamity befell the Basotho farmers’ crops, they tended to adopt a fatalistic attitude; they would pray to God, and would do nothing to help themselves (Lewis, 1959). This attitude he declared has “prolonged the dependency which has led to the abject poverty and hunger of the day, starvation of no less than true slavery....there is need to hasten the ending of human apathy and indignity....” (Machobane, 1981). In trying to rid his people of the scourge of hunger, Linda Pfotenhauer in 1987 writes in the Molepe magazine that JJ “did not join a movement, he became one. He did not subscribe to a set of theories and principles, he developed his own”. In 1990 the National University of Lesotho awarded James J. Machobane an honorary doctorate for his lifetime achievements as a writer, educator, and agricultural innovator. Dr. Machobane continued to promote his farming system until near the time of his death in 2007 at age 93. The full story of this remarkable man’s life can be found in the book, Drive out Hunger: The Story of J. J. Machobane by Robert Berold (Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd, 2005). DR. JAMES JACOB MACHOBANE & CLARK TIBBITS BUY BOOK

Things we are proud of Currently +- 3000 smallholder farmers practice the Machobane Farming System (MFS) in the ten districts of Lesotho. 1. SCALABILITY Trainers of the Machobane Agricultural Development Foundation (MADF) have trained Primary and High School children in two Northern districts of Lesotho, namely Leribe and Botha Bothe as well as in the Mohale’s Hoek district in the south in MFS techniques from mid 1990s to 2009. MADF staff have written a Manual for MFS practitioners and supported the production of videos on the system in both Sesotho and English. 2. CONTINIOUS IMPROVEMENT MADF has introduced a new and improved method of compost making in collaboration with the Southern Africa Trust. The compost can be applied in homestead gardens and on field crops and it is far much cheaper and safer than synthetic fertiliSers. With the current global economic downturn where food commodity prices have risen and continue to rise to exorbitant heights more and more young smallholder farmers are turning to MFS for solutions to this dilemma. How these institutions helped Southern Africa Trust (2010-2011): Experimentation on an alternative method of producing compost using EM resulting in yet another MADF product machoco to be introduced to the smallholder MFS practitioners. Kellog Foundation (2007 – 2009): Facilitated MADF to address food security and nutrition issues in households living with HIV/AIDS. The project also stimulated interest in MFS in primary and secondary schools in the northern districts of Botha-Bothe and Leribe including a center housing vulnerable children. UNESCO Lesotho (2005-2006): Supported the training of the smallholder farmers in leadership techniques in the southern districts of Mohale’s Hoek and facilitated the compilation and publication (in Sesotho and English) of the Manual on Home Garden Vegetable Production using the MFS Techniques. Unitarian Service of Canada –USC (1996-1997): following the Lesotho-USC hosting of the Seeds of Survival international conference that saw participants come from Ethiopia, Mali, Nepal, United States of America and India; was the first donor to support the implementation of MFS by building the capacity of MADF. When USC concluded its activities in the country, MADF became the primary beneficiary of its assets. The use and conservation of land races (seeds) is a fundamental approach in MFS, reinforced by the “Seeds of Survival” principles. Would you like to make a difference? GET INVOLVED Helvetas Lesotho (1998 – 2005): support to MADF was integrated into the donor’s intervention objectives following the review and feasibility study to extend its program in Lesotho. The framework focused on facilitation, capacity building and technical services in strengthening MADF to promote the MFS philosophy and concepts among resource poor households in the four lowland districts of Botha-Bothe, Leribe, Mafeteng and Mohale’s Hoek. Government of Lesotho/ IFAD projects (1991-1996; 2000-2003): The GoL through its IFAD sponsored projects mainly was instrumental in re-introducing the MFS. The 75-year old JJ Machobane was supported to recall his old followers to test his innovation against the regular agricultural production in the spring of 1991. The success demonstrated by the system in such a dry year encouraged all those involved to agree to the institutionalisation of the technology as MADF. Between 2000 and 2003, the GoL further implemented training of farmers in MFS for farmers in the mountain areas of Lesotho (SADPMA) as well as applied the system in the “Livelihoods Recovery through Agriculture Programme (LRAP) with emphasis on home gardening for nutrition for households affected by HIV/AIDS. Julian Price of Ashville, North Carolina supported the publication of the book “Take Out Hunger (Farm to Eat)” in 1996 and its translated equivalent, “Mantša Tlala”. The book is a guide for agriculture extension workers. It examines the culture of the Basotho and how it affects their practice of agriculture while emphasizing environmental interactions on farming. The book points out various possible ways of improving ones life through agriculture in particular through the practice of MFS.

Press Press & Publications In Lesotho, drought means going hungry. But many people are HIV positive and have to eat before taking their medicine, or face severe side effects. But hunger is not inevitable, as James Machobane has proven. He invented an agricultural method supposed to give everyone enough to eat throughout the year in the 1960s. What is left of it today? Drive Out Hunger An oral autobiography compiled from interviews with 89 year old JJ Machobane, who spent 13 years in Lesotho researching an agricultural... Go to Promoting the Machobane Farming System An interview with Letla Mosenene, an advisor to farmer innovators in Lesotho... Go to A Farming System for the Mountains Laura ARNALTE - The development of a particular farming system especially designed... Go to The Machobane Farming System in Lesotho Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Go to Oakland Institute - The Machobane Farming system in Lesotho Agroecology Case Studies Go to Assessment of the impacts and Adaptive Capacity... ...of the Machobane Farming System to Climate Change in Lesotho Go to

“Ntlafatsa motho pele, motho a ntlafatse naha” – “First develop man and man will develop the land” OUR HISTORY Drive out hunger In the 1940s when Dr. JJ Machobane was already a well - known author of the first historical novels written in Sesotho, he returned to his home village in Leribe district to begin 13 years of agricultural experimentation and research. His goal was to “drive out hunger” from his country. Among the many agricultural practices he developed during this time were the intercropping of traditional maize fields with potatoes and other vegetables, an intensive rotational system that produced food crops and field cover throughout the year, and the concentration of locally available manure and ash in planting beds rather than scattering them across the entire field. To help spread these innovations throughout the country, Dr. JJ Machobane required each of the village farmers he trained to in turn train twenty others. This educational approach evolved into the Mantša Tlala (Drive Out Hunger) College with a curriculum designed to improve all aspects of village life. ABOUT THE FOUNDER Our Journey 1959 DR. JJ MACHOBANE IS RECOGNISED In 1959 Dr. JJ Machobane’s successes with this comprehensive approach to village education came to the attention of the Ford Foundation and resulted in his recognition as Volunteer of the Year 1961 for the Continent of Africa and a sponsored speaking tour in the United States. 1960s MFS IS SEEN AS A THREAT During the years leading to Lesotho’s independence in 1966, the international recognition of Dr. Machobane’s work began to be perceived as a threat to the country’s new political leadership- the college was closed, and he was forced to give up publicly promoting his ideas. For almost 25 years he lived “underground”, able to express himself only by authoring unpublished manuscripts on topics ranging from agriculture to history and poetry to football.

OUR STRATEGY MADF provides training to farmers mainly and to those who would like to apply the principles and techniques of Machobane Farming System (MFS) in their farming strategy. OUR HISTORY DRIVE OUT HUNGER As the custodian of the MFS that was developed in the 1940s and labeled the perennial, rotative, intercropping system of the most intensive order; or Mantša Tlala (drive out hunger) as it was known then; we continue to lead in implementing MFS practices, improving and refining its application so that the system is unconditionally successful in responding effectively to current challenges, needs, issues of the Lesotho farming community even under the impact of climate change. It is holistic in approach and involves a triangular relationship between agricultural production practices, social and family factors and spiritual factors. MORE THAN A CROPPING SYSTEM In its origins, it built on Basotho values, practices and culture. The cropping element is categorised as a low external input, multiple crops and environmentally sound organic farming technology that ensures provision of food all year. It addresses the generally poor farming soil conditions; while skill-fully utilising the calendar year by matching various crops with the appropriate growing periods/ windows to ensure food security. To this cropping base, animal husbandry, conservation of the natural resource base including seed sources/ gene pool, the philosophy of self-reliance and a plan for mass education are integrated. OUR STRATEGY A pro-poor approach to building capacity for the disadvantaged of Lesotho’s farming community especially in rural areas with special focus on women household headed families. HOW WE DO IT PARTNERSHIPS Facilitating/assisting the development of supportive institutions, systems, collaborators, and cooperators. ADVISORY provide technical support on planning, development and implementation of MFS with partners and practitioners. TRAINING & MENTORSHIP Empowerment through field schools, provide training and tools for the practice of MFS. SOLIDARITY supporting grassroots farmers to network and dialogue among themselves RESEARCH & OUTREACH refining, advocating and raising awareness on the MFS outcomes throughout the country ACHIEVEMENTS

Become a member, supporter or advocate. Get in touch with us today! Internships and Research opportunities: MADF provides opportunities to students, new graduates to study any of the elements of MFS. For example: Basotho learners studying in the universities of Pretoria and Free State in RSA have been provided with information on the essence of MFS for their Masters theses. MADF staff and smallholder farmer MFS practitioners contributed information on the practice of MFS in Lesotho for a Ph.D degree thesis for a citizen from Zimbabwe. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thank you for your interest, we will be in touch!

LEARN SUSTAINABLE FARMING WITH THE MACHOBANE FARMING SYSTEM Through time-tested techniques like intercropping, natural soil enhancement, and water-smart farming, the Machobane Farming System empowers farmers and gardeners to thrive — even in challenging environments. By working with nature, not against it, you can grow healthier crops, protect your land, and ensure a sustainable food supply for generations to come. DOWNLOAD FULL MFS MANUAL What is the Machobane Farming System? MFS is a low-cost, sustainable farming method that focuses on year-round food production, soil improvement, and natural resource management. It uses low external inputs (mainly manure and ash) and smart farming practices like relay intercropping and crop rotation to enhance resilience, soil fertility, and household food security. CORE PRINCIPLES Low External Inputs Year-Round Harvests Multiple Crops Minimal use of synthetic fertilizers; relies on natural methods (compost, manure, ash) Crops are carefully scheduled to ensure continuous food production. Several types of crops are grown together (relay cropping and intercropping) Soil and Water Conservation Adaptation to Climate Techniques like mulching, double digging, and green manuring improve water retention and soil health. Practices are tailored to both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. CORE PRINCIPLES Mulching The process of covering soil to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate temperature. In the MFS generally organic mulches are preferred, ranging from crop residues, dead leaves, composted manure, tree prunnings etc. Manure Application Organic manure naturally enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its structure, and boosts moisture retention. In MFS several types of animal manure such as cow / sheep & goats / pig / chicken / horse can be used as mulch when composted or matured. Green Manuring Planting crops like legumes and then ploughing them back into the soil enriches it naturally. These crops add vital organic matter, improve soil structure, and increase nitrogen levels, which boosts the fertility of the land for future crops. Relay Intercropping Planting different crops in succession within the same season optimises soil nutrients, moisture, and space. It naturally improves soil health, supports biodiversity, manage pests and ensures a continuous harvest. Double Digging Techniques like double digging break compacted soil, allowing roots to grow deeper and access more nutrients and water. This improves soil health, reduces water runoff, reduces erosion, and supports stronger, more resilient crops. Crop Rotation Involves systematically changing the types of crops grown on the same land across different seasons or years. This practice helps break pest and disease cycles, maintains soil fertility, and balances nutrient use. DOWNLOAD FULL MFS MANUAL