Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Crop Intensification in Lesotho

Lesotho is a small mountainous country characterised by extensive land degradation and erratic climatic conditions. In recent years a growing number of development agencies have been promoting conservation agriculture (CA). The present case study draws on the data collected by FAO in 2006 and illustrates the impact of the local version of CA, the likoti-system, on sustainable crop intensification in the south-eastern highlands and in the western lowlands of Butha-Buthe and Berea. According to these data, the adoption of likoti has brought about significant advantages compared to conventional tillage. This publication is directed to decision makers as well as readers interested in sustainable agriculture.