SADP I targeted smallholder farmers and farmer groups that: (i) need support to improve their operations and sources of livelihoods; and (ii) have the basic resources and motivation required to successfully improve agricultural productivity and diversify into market-oriented agriculture. To help develop markets for their outputs, the program also supported the development of agriculture-related and rural businesses.

Four of Lesotho’s ten districts, namely Botha-Bothe, Leribe, Berea and Mafeteng, were selected in consultation with MAFS based on the following criteria: (a) districts with relatively high production potential and more than one agro-ecological zone; (b) accessibility/proximity to markets (for inputs and outputs); and (c) population outreach. The selected districts are along the South African border and include some of the more productive land with around two-thirds of the lowland areas in the country, about 52% of the arable land, a population of 850,000 (45% of the total) and around 3,000 villages.