THE government of Lesotho will receive $31.4 million (M591 108 140 million) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Food for Progress (FFP) Programme to enhance Lesotho’s poultry sector.

The Embassy of the United States in Maseru announced on Monday that this will be the first time Lesotho is a recipient of FFP funding.

“For decades, the FFP programme has been helping support efforts to improve agricultural systems and stimulate rural economies around the globe. Land O’Lakes Venture 37 has been selected to implement the programme in Lesotho, which will promote climate-smart agricultural practices, improve food security, and foster economic growth.

"By providing crucial resources and technical assistance, the programme will facilitate the establishment of sustainable market linkages and enhance trade opportunities for Lesotho."

In a statement, the US Embassy said the United States is deeply committed to ending hunger and malnutrition and building more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems at home and abroad.

“The United States is the largest provider of international agriculture, economic development, and humanitarian assistance and advances global food security and nutrition through efforts like the USDA’s FFP and McGovern-Dole Programs. The USDA works continuously to monitor and ensure the success of the programmes, all while balancing funding allocations with current global nutrition needs.

 “As the world emerges from a global pandemic and faces the challenges of rising hunger and poverty, climate change, and the raging war in Ukraine, more than 190 million people worldwide experience acute food insecurity.”