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In a significant development for Lesotho’s agricultural sector, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has terminated the Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) project, a $31.4 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the country’s poultry industry. The abrupt conclusion of the program has left thousands of local farmers and stakeholders grappling with uncertainty and financial strain.
Launched in 2023 under the USDA’s Food for Progress program, STEPS was implemented by Land O’Lakes Venture37 in collaboration with partners such as the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA), and the World Poultry Foundation (WPF). The project’s objectives included enhancing poultry productivity through improved inputs, services, finance, and market linkages, with the goal of increasing meat and egg production by up to 40% and 30%, respectively. By its conclusion, STEPS aimed to benefit 35,000 value chain actors and bolster food security in Lesotho.
The termination of STEPS coincides with a series of challenges that have plagued Lesotho’s poultry sector. In October 2023, the government imposed a ban on poultry imports from South Africa due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains H5N1 and H7N6. This ban severely disrupted the supply chain, as Lesotho relies on imports for nearly 80% of its poultry products.
Although the government partially lifted the ban in January 2025, allowing the importation of frozen chicken and fertile eggs from select regions, restrictions on live chickens and certain poultry products remain. Farmers have expressed frustration over the continued limitations, arguing that sourcing from alternative countries like Brazil, Turkey, and Eswatini presents logistical and financial challenges.
The sudden end of the STEPS project exacerbates these issues, leaving farmers without the anticipated support for infrastructure development, training, and access to markets. Many had hoped that the initiative would help establish a sustainable poultry value chain within Lesotho, reducing dependency on imports and fostering economic growth.
In response to the project’s termination, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition has announced plans to develop a National Poultry Development Policy, Strategy, and Implementation Plan. This policy aims to guide investment, growth, and development in the poultry sector, ensuring transparency and encouraging cooperation among stakeholders.
As Lesotho navigates the aftermath of the STEPS project’s conclusion, the resilience and adaptability of its farmers will be crucial. The government’s commitment to supporting the sector through new policies and partnerships will play a vital role in determining the future of poultry farming in the country.
