Theses and Dissertations

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Biostimulatory and antimicrobial properties of Tulbaghia violacea
(University of the Free State, 2004-10) Nteso, Leeto; Prof.Pretorius, J.C.; Dr.Potgieter, G.P.
My first gratitude and praise to Almighty God, the Life-giver, who let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds (Genesis 1:11) and has caused to grow out of the ground, herbs for the use of man. What is impossible with man is possible with God. I would like to acknowledge the financial assistance to me provided by the government of Lesotho through National Manpower Development secretariat, for the payment of tuition, boarding and lodging and other academic fees. Your sponsorship was not in vain. My deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation are extended to Professor J.C. Pretorius, promoter of this research, for his patient and untiring guidance. His kindness, academic vision and inexhaustible energy were an inspiration and motivation to me in this study. Without him the objectives of this research would not have been achieved. His demand and desire for perfection and academic excellence have left an indelible impression on my mind and I hope to pass them on to my students. I have really been honoured to have been his student. My gratitude also goes to my co-promoter Dr. Potgieter for his expertise in seed physiology (seed germination and seedling establishment) and different aspects important to plant growth and development and the effect of natural “bio-catalysts” on plant growth and yield. Next I would like to thank Dr. Irene Kamara for her assistance with nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy analysis and chemical structural elucidation of the active compounds. Her contribution to this section is also highly appreciated. Your patient smile will always be remembered. I would also like to recognize and thank the following people for their dedication and support for the success of this research: Elmarie van der Watt for her kind and patient laboratory technical guidance and support throughout the three years of this study. Please don’t get tired of doing the good. Your assistance was highly valued. I also extend my appreciation and gratitude to Charlotte Maree for her laboratory assistance with respect to the antimicrobial tests of this research. I am most grateful to Alida Du Plessis for her ever-ready secretarial assistance during this research. The Head of organic chemistry department and staff for allowing me to use their laboratory during the purification and isolation phase of my plant extract. Special thanks to ‘Madira Litelu and Tebogo Manong for their daily technical guidance and help in the laboratory. Without Tebogo, the finer details of the isolation techniques would have escaped my notice. I wish to express my appreciation to my colleague in this study Girma Tegegne, for his contribution to chapter 5 and his assistance with the statistical analysis of my data, and with whom we shared a lot of hardships, disappointments and successes, and also for the brainstorming sessions we held together on this research. Finally, to my late Brother Ben Nteso for his initial financial support, if it had not been for him I would not have registered for this degree. We hope to meet him at the first resurrection.
The Role of block farming in assuring food security in Lesotho: the case of Berea, Leribe and Maseru districts
(2018-03-01) Seboka, Bolebali Maitumeleng J; Tsepiso, Rantso
Many developing countries are characterised by low levels of poverty caused mainly by food insecurity. There are different factors causing food insecurity in many developing countries, and changing climatic conditions especially severe drought is mentioned as the major one. However, high population increase is another cause of food insecurity in many developing countries, and Lesotho is not an exception. There are different measures used to solve the state of food insecurity in many countries, and increasing agricultural productivity is one of them. The Lesotho government has implemented different agricultural programmes to increase production in agriculture since colonialism. Although many colonial rural development strategies in Lesotho focused more on preventing and controlling soil erosion, there were some agricultural projects implemented in some parts of the country. The agricultural rural development programmes implemented in Lesotho since colonialism meant to reduce poverty and improve the living standards of people. And block farming is one of such agricultural development projects. Block farming is not a new agricultural rural development project in Lesotho. Block farming project was introduced in the Senqu River Valley Integrated Rural Development Project in the 1970s. The idea was to increase food production among Basotho farmers. This agricultural initiative was revived in the New Millennium. The government of Lesotho entered into sharecropping with subsistence farmers through block farming. The purpose of government was to reduce poverty by increasing agricultural food production in the country. And since the introduction of block farming, especially in the early stages of implementation, the lives of many farmers improved for the better. This is because they now cultivate their fields that have been left fallow for many years because of lack of agricultural inputs. However, of late, block farming is facing many challenges that affect agricultural production. As a result, it is not a profitable agricultural programme for many farmers.
Health and socio-economic challenges faced by elderly people in rural communities of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-06) Lekulo, Malekulo; Sehlabane, Katiso; Arun
Old age is a global phenomenon and Lesotho elderly population seemed to grow at an alarming rate. Statistics showed that Lesotho’s elderly population is increasing rapidly and have a larger share than many countries since the population of elderly people constitutes 8.6 percent of the general population (Bureau of Statistics (BOS), 2016). The population of elderly people seemed to be faced with a lot of challenges such as chronic illnesses, abuse, and low or no income to cater for their needs. Despite the alarming increase in elderly people in Lesotho, the challenges faced by elderly people in rural areas are under-researched. The study investigated health and socio-economic challenge faced by elderly people in rural communities of Lesotho at Makhoa village in Leribe. A qualitative, phenomenological study was undertaken with a sample of twenty-one participants from both Makhoa village and the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) at Hlotse Leribe. Of the twenty-one participants, eleven were elderly people, five community members, two local authorities (the chief, and the community councilor), and three MoSD officers (Elderly Care officer, Generic Social Worker, and Auxiliary Social Worker). Participants were selected using both purposive sampling and convenience sampling techniques and data was collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion. Data analysis was done using the thematic analysis following six steps of data familiarization, generating initial codes, searching for and identifying themes, refining themes, defining and naming themes, and producing a report. The study found that elderly people’s physical and mental health were highly compromised since their health costs were very high especially for those with chronic illnesses, and mobility limitations due to ageing and HIV and AIDS and COVID-19. There were also social challenges established as loneliness and social isolation, the burden of care for grandchildren, mistreatment and elderly abuse, loss of personal autonomy, and social exclusion. The economic challenges included reduced income, economic exploitation, poverty and high cost of living, and economic insecurity. The study established that community members had negative attitudes towards elderly people like ageism stereotypes, labeling them witches, discriminated against them, and disrespected them. Lastly, it was found out that there were measures in place to address issues of elderly people like national policies, and Old Age Pension, there vi were no local structures for elderly people and family was the one playing a major role in care and support of elderly people. Consequently, the following recommendations were made to address the identified challenges facing elderly people at Makhoa village in Leribe, Lesotho. These include elderly programs, educational campaigns and awareness programs, elderly social clubs, saving groups, capacity building for families, and decentralization of health care facility to the rural Makhoa village in Leribe by the government amongst others.
Prevalence and abundance of tick genera and their control in Merino sheep in the four agro-ecological zones of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2021-06-21) Matsienyane, Mabokang Francinah; Dawuda, P.M; Molapo, Setsumi
Ticks are blood sucking ecto-parasites that transmit haemoparasitic diseases and cause other ill-health problems such as traumatic dermatitis, anorexia and weight loss which leads to total loss in productivity of the sheep industry in Lesotho. In order to help farmers to control ticks infestation, a survey study was conducted with the following specific objectives: (i) to evaluate farmers’ demographic structure in different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho. (ii) to evaluate level of awareness of merino sheep farmers on ticks’ infestation in their flocks in different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho (iii) to determine commonly used control measures for ticks by merino sheep farmers in different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho (iv) to determine effect of agro-ecological zone and age of sheep in prevalence of tick genera in merino sheep of Lesotho and (v) to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin in the control of ticks in different agro-ecological zones and sheep age groups of Lesotho. For the demographic study, a total of 403 respondents were interviewed using a structure questionnaire and a total number of 720 sheep were used for the remaining objectives. Ticks were collected and transferred into sample containers containing 70% ethanol kept in labelled screw-lid container before identification in the laboratory using a stereomicroscope. The efficacy of Ivermectin (1%) was determined using the following formula as prescribed by Abbott (1925): Efficacy % = 100 x (Mc – Mr)/Mc; Mc = mean number of live ticks on the host; Mr = mean number of live or dead ticks on host after treatment. Drug efficacy of 0.5 is threshold for medium tick response ratio. The data from 403 respondents was stored in Microsoft excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Binary logistic regression was used to analyse the data for ticks’ prevalence, age and ivermectin efficacy on ticks’ infestation. Data on ticks’ concentration was analyzed by Poisson model. The results showed that the majority of sheep farmers were males with a distribution of 67% in lowlands, 66% in foothills, 58% in highlands and 64% in Senqu River Valley (P > 0.05). Farmers in all four agro-ecological zones had very high level of awareness for ticks’ infestation - Lowlands (99.0%), Foothills (100.0%), Highlands (97.9%) and Senqu River Valley (97.3%) (P > 0.05).79%, 70%, 86% and 58% of farmers in Lowlands, Foothills, Highlands and Senqu River Valley, respectively used various drugs combinations (both traditional and conventional) to control ticks. Overall prevalence for different tick genera was 40% with Rhipicephalus having higher prevalence and abundance than other genera: Rhipicephalus (36%), Boophilus (0.7%), Amblyomma (0.4%), Hyalomma (0.2%) and Otobius (0.5%). Most ticks were in abundance under tail and around the anal region. The prevalence of ticks did not vary significantly (P > 0.05) with age of sheep. Ivermectin 1% subcutaneous injection overall efficacy was 28% and reduction percentages for major genera (Rhipicephalus) were as follows: Senqu River Valley (36%), Lowlands (46%), Foothills (70%) and Highlands (100%). In conclusion, the current study has established that (i) there are more male than female farmers in all agro-ecological zones (ii) farmers’ awareness of ticks infestation is very high in all the four agro-ecological zones (97-100%) (iii) All farmers routinely used both traditional and conventional drugs to control ticks (vi) Age of sheep did not significantly affect the prevalence of ticks in all agro-ecological zones and (v) The overall efficacy of 1% ivermectin was 28%.
Determinants of marketing participation and choice of market outlet for broiler farmers in Leribe district of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-07) Lekhisa, Khutlang; Dr Muroyiwa, Brian
Poultry marketing is an important tool for economic development and poverty eradication because of its potential for income generation and employment creation. However, broiler farmers in the country are locked out of available lucrative formal broiler markets and this forces them to sell their produce at the farm gate where prices are less lucrative. Therefore, this study examined the socio-economic, market and institutional factors that influence broiler farmers’ market participation and the choice of market outlets in the Leribe district in Lesotho. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 114 respondents from five villages. The survey data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Heckman's two-stage model was used to analyse factors influencing farmers' market participation and the intensity of market participation while the MVP model was used to determine factors affecting the choice of market outlets by broiler farmers. The probit selection equation revealed that gender, farmer income, storage access, production experience, extension service, credit access and information access influenced farmers’ market participation decisions and the second outcome equation revealed that gender, household size, off-farm employment and price influenced the intensity of market participation. The MVP model results revealed that gender, vehicle ownership, stock size contract agreement and extension access significantly influenced the choice of market outlets. Therefore, this study recommends interventions that will increase broiler production such as enhancing credit access, contract farming, group membership and institutional support. The study also recommends policies that will facilitate the adoption of quality assurance practices and procedures to improve farmers’ access to the formal markets.
The determinants of adoption of improved maize production technologies among farm households in Quthing, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-08) Rakotsoane, Sechaba; Professor Olaniyi, Olumuyiwa Akin
Maize is a major staple food in Lesotho, and it constitutes between 50% - 60% of an average household diet. Maize production objectives vary because of characteristics demanded by the market, home consumption and animal feeds. Men tend to prefer high-yielding varieties to potentially sell the surplus. Women, on the other hand, are often interested in maize's culinary, processing, and nutritional qualities; long-term storability and tolerance of the cultivar to shocks, such as climate variability. The main objective of the study was to investigate the gender gap in agricultural productivity with focus on technology adoption of maize farm households in Quthing. The study obtained data from a randomly selected sample of 139 male and female headed households maize crop producers in the study area. The study used descriptive statistics and probit regression for data analysis. The results of the study showed that more male (82.5 %) farmers adopted improved maize production technologies compared to their female counterparts (54.2 %). The factors that influenced adoption of improved maize technologies in the study area were farming experience, confidence in extension skills, membership of farmer group, farmers‟ training and walking distance to agricultural office. The aforementioned factors are common factors that drive the adoption of improved maize technologies by both male and female farmers; except membership of farmers‟ group, confidence in extension skills and access to ICT that are specific to male and female farmers respectively. The study recommends that farmers should be encouraged to join and form farmers-based organizations. The study also recommends enhancement of access to information for farmers through extension services creating and producing relevant programmes available through the radio, television and the mobile phone platforms. The public and private extension systems must employ more field extension staff who will train farmers to improve their skills and production techniques. Extensions workers must benefit from capacity building to improve their competencies in supporting farmers in interventions aimed at improving adoption of improved maize production technologies by both male and female farmers in the study area.
Effects on marketing channel choice on the profitability of smallholder vegetable farmers in Leribe District of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2022-09) Seatle, Boitumelo; Dr Rantlo, A.M.
Smallholder vegetable farming has the potential to improve the income of farmers due to the profitability associated with the choice of proper marketing channel. Vegetables profitability vary across different marketing channels. The study sought to assess the effects of market channel choice on the profitability of smallholder farmers in Leribe district Lesotho. Specifically, the study identified the marketing channels used by smallholder vegetable farmers, identified factors influencing the choice of vegetable marketing channel, as well as determined the profitability of selling vegetables through each of the marketing channels in Leribe district of Lesotho. A stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of one hundred and eleven (111) respondents in the study area. Cross-sectional data was then collected from smallholder vegetable farmers with the use of closed-ended questionnaire. The data was processed with the use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Ms. Excel. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson` Chi-square test), binary logistics regression as well as gross marginal analysis. The results revealed that smallholder vegetable farming in the study area was mainly dominated by young, aged female farmers. The identified marketing channels were the formal and informal marketing channels with most (71.05%) farmers in Leribe district using the informal marketing channel. Time of payment (p=0.033) and price determination factor (p=0.030) were the factors that influenced the choice of vegetable marketing channel. The study further affirmed that sales of vegetables through formal marketing channel was more profitable than sales through the informal marketing channel in the study area. Based on the results, the study recommends the formulation of agricultural policy in Lesotho to incorporate the promotion of farmers access to formal markets and capacity building of extension officers on agricultural production and marketing in order to assist farmers to produce according to formal market requirements.
Deternimants of climate-smart agricultural technologies adoption by smallholder crop farmers in Quthing District, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024) Semoko, Mathebe Josphinah
The agricultural sector in Quthing district is vital for local employment and food security, particularly through smallholder vegetable farming. However, climate change poses challenges such as prolonged droughts, altered rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures, which threaten farmers' livelihoods. These conditions not only reduce crop yields but also exacerbate weed growth, pests, and diseases. In response, Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSAT) have been introduced to improve agricultural productivity. Despite their potential benefits, the adoption of CSAT remains low influenced by various factors shaping farmers' decisions. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing CSAT adoption among vegetable farmers in rural areas of Quthing district. The specific objectives included evaluating farmers’ understanding and awareness of CSAT, identifying adoption patterns, evaluating interventions and support systems towards CSAT adoption, and determining factors influencing CSAT adoption. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 farmers, from whom data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis utilised descriptive statistics and probit regression model using statistical software (Stata 13). The descriptive statistics revealed that majority of farmers were aware of CSAT benefits: sustaining soil fertility (81%), increasing productivity (92%), reducing pollution (61%) and resource management (90%). Furthermore, the findings revealed varying levels of adoption among farmers: hybrid seed (90%), adjusting planting dates (75%), rainwater harvesting (53%) while agrochemicals is 46%, organic fertilizer (30%), protected farming (28%), irrigation technology (10%) and underground water harvesting (5%). The probit regression model highlights significant factors influencing CSAT adoption among farmers. These factors include farming income (ß= -0.915, P = 0.024), household size (ß=-0.0876, P=0.04), education level (ß= 0.472, P=0.032) farming experience (ß=0.501, P=0.014), access to extension (ß=0.752, P=0.038), membership to associations (ß=0.936, P=0.001) and climate information service (ß=0.936, P=0.064). Based on these findings, the study concluded that while farmers exhibit awareness and understand of CSAT, adoption rate is hindered significantly by socio-economic, demographic, and institutional factors. To address these constraints, it is recommended that government and financial institutions should develop programs aimed at reducing financial barriers for low-income farmers. Government should invest in rural infrastructure to promote farmers access to services. Priority should be given to enhancing extension services and promoting farmer associations to enhance adoption of CSAT and other innovative technologies.
Determinants of farmers' participation in Irish potato production in Mokhotlong district, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024) Heshepe, Matsebo
Potato farming is a very important activity in Mokhotlong, Lesotho contributing significantly towards household’s food security and income. However, farmers are constraint from sustainable potato production by several factors. The main aim of this study was to analyze factors that influence participation of farmers in potato production in Mokhotlong, Lesotho. The survey used cross-sectional data that was obtained in 2024 from 99 potato farmers. A two-stage sampling procedure which includes purposive and simple random sampling was employed to construct a sample. Descriptive statistics and Binary Logistic Regression Model were used to analyze these factors. The results revealed that farmers are constraint from participating in potato by factors which include high production costs, lack of transport, pests and diseases encountered, lack of storage facilities and poor access to quality seeds. The Binary Logistic Regression Model results revealed that gender, age, social media access, source of income, level of education, access to seeds and distance to the market influence farmers to participate in potato farming. In light of these, it is recommended that the government should address the constraints and challenges. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition should assist farmers in developing value chains and formulating marketing tactics to enhance their competitiveness. The Ministry should also encourage women ‘s participation in potato farming and establish training initiatives aimed at improving soil fertility and implementing crop rotation to boost women’s participation in potato production.
An assessment of the level of soil contamination with heavily metals around Letseng and Kao diamond mining in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-01-17) Tjakata, Motsamai Julius
The study was aimed at determining the extent of soil contamination with heavy metals due to wastes from Kao and Letseng Diamond Mining and to determine the potential risks to the soil and crops in nearby farmlands. A number of physical and chemical soil parameters were tested namely; texture, pH, Organic matter, and CEC to find out their impact on bioavailability of heavy metals in the soils and crops around Kao, Letseng and Mokhotlong Agricultural Research. Furthermore, study was made to assess the effects of heavy metals on soil microbial activity, and to determine whether heavy metals in plants and soils are mild, sufficient or toxic. Heavy metals were tested whether available or not available (not detected) in three sites. The samples were collected from three sites, two of which are from contaminated (Kao and Lets’eng mining) sites and one from uncontaminated (Mokhotlong Agricultural Research Station) site in Lesotho. Basic cations and metals were extracted by DTPA method (Lindsay and Norvell, 1978) and later determined using an AAS 500 model. The results indicated that there are higher concentrations of heavy metals around Letseng Diamond Mining in the order of Cr > Pb > Cd > Ni > Fe > Mn > Cu > Co > Zn. Around Kao Diamond site, three metals were in the toxic range in the order of Cd > Pb > Cr. Kao Diamond mining site is located within Kao Village, where the effluent from the mining drains into farmlands, which obviously poses health threat. Chlorosis and stunting of plants have been observed especially in the rangelands around Letseng Diamond Mining. This is to high concentrations of heavy metals, which could hinder plant growth and affect the food chain thus posing serious risk to health of animals, humans and microorganisms. Again the results showed the plants with high concentrations of heavy metals have stunt growth andsoils with high concentrations of heavy metals showed lower microbial population which has negative impact on soil fertility. Results of this study indicate that the heavy metal risk around the mining sites is alarming and hence appropriate measures need to be taken to rectify the situation by applying biochar. Whilst Mokhotlong Agricultural Research shows only essential heavy metals and their concentrations are not alarming with high population of microorganisms.
The effect of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) flower morphology on the diversity, abundance, plant-pollinator interactions, and foraging behaviour of floral visitors in Lesotho.
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-07) Mohau, Kabelo
Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), a prevalent weed in Lesotho, is known for its varied flower morphology and reliance on insect pollination. This study explores the diversity, abundance, and foraging behavior of insect pollinators in two agroecological zones of Lesotho: Nyakosoba research station and the National University of Lesotho (NUL) farm. The study further investigated the influence of flower morphology on pollinator-mediated selection, pollen removal, pollen production and comparison of seven floral traits between white and yellow color morphs. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index was used to measure species diversity, while cross-tabulation and chi-square tests compared pollinator abundance and visitation patterns. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA analyzed visitation rate, visitation frequency, and stay time, associating these behaviors with pollen deposition using ANCOVA. Descriptive statistics and linear regression model assessed pollen production. ANOVA was used to compare pollen removal from short and long stamens. Mean differences and standard errors of yellow and white flower morphs were compared using independent sample t-test. A total of eighteen insect species visited wild radish at NUL farm, and twenty-four species were documented at Nyakosoba, with Hymenoptera and Diptera being the most represented orders. Apis mellifera (honeybee) and Eristalis tenax (a syrphid fly) were the most abundant and effective pollinators. Visitation frequencies and stay times varied, with Stizus sp. and Apis mellifera showing the highest visitation rates. Floral visitors' preferences for pollen or nectar were also recorded, with Apis mellifera being the highest pollen forager. Yellow flowers with dark veins were predominantly visited by Eristalis tenax and Apis mellifera. Long stamens produced more pollen grains (mean = 6110.56 ± 384.87) than short stamens (mean = 4768.00 ± 389.99). More pollen was removed from dimorphic stamens (mean = 1.39 ± 0.08)han from long stamens (1.25 ± 0.05) and short stamens (mean = 0.91 ± 0.02). Morphological comparisons revealed significant differences in pedicel length (p = 0.01), anther length (p = 0.03), and pistil length (p = 0.05) between white and yellow flowers, though other traits showed no significant differences. These findings highlight that wild radish exhibits significant variation in flower morphology, which influences pollinator behavior and efficiency. Apis mellifera and Eristalis tenax were the most effective pollinators. Yellow flowers and long stamens were particularly favored, because of higher pollen production resulting in higher pollen removal. Future research should focus on investigating the genetic basis of floral trait variations in wild radish, explore further the impact of environmental factors on plant-pollinator interactions and v development of strategies to enhance pollinator services in agricultural systems by promoting floral diversity
Factors influencing technical efficiency among horticultural farmers in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-09) Nkuebele, Mapolotso
The research focused on the factors influencing technical efficiency among tomato farmers in Leribe district. The specific objectives were to evaluate technical efficiency of horticulture farmers in Leribe and to identify factors that influence technical efficiency among horticulture farmers in the study area. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 95 tomato farmers. A combination of primary and secondary data was used to collect data for this study, and these were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographics and socio-economics characteristics of the farmers. Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) was used to measure technical efficiency while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) model was used to identify factors influencing technical efficiency. Data was captured and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 and National Council of Statistics Software (NCSS) 2024. The SFA results revealed that tomato farmers in Leribe achieved a technical efficiency level of 83.5%, which is above the benchmark of 70%. PCA results showed that factors such as gender with a (β= 0.279, p = 0.0276), education (β = 0.114, p = 0.0451), seed quality (β = 0.364, p = 0.0009), animal power (β = -0.318, p = 0.0048), farmer experience (β= 0.113, p = 0.0283), irrigation (β= -0.141, p = 0.0385) and off-farm income (β = -0.258 and p-value 0.0279) significantly influenced technical efficiency among tomato farmers in the study area. The study concludes that tomato farmers of Leribe are technically efficient as they achieved way above the acceptable minimum TE score 70%. Furthermore, demographic characteristics and technical factors affect the technical efficiency of tomato production in the Leribe district. To boost technical efficiency among tomato farmers, there is need to promote gender equality in agriculture, efforts should be made to improve access to resources for women by implementing policies that ensure that female farmers have access to land, agricultural inputs, credit, and technology. Moreover, promotion of experience-based learning to develop mentorship and training programs to capacitate the less experienced farmers should be considered by the stakeholders. Learning from the more seasoned professionals will help emerging/inexperienced farmers to gain the skills and knowledge needed to adopt efficient production techniques. Therefore, the situation underscores the multifaceted nature of technical efficiency in horticulture and highlights the importance of addressing these specific factors to improve vegetable farming productivity in the Leribe district of Lesotho.
The response of layers to dietary supplementation with activated charcoal
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-10) Makhaleme, Makarabo
The study was conducted at the Animal Farm of the Teaching and Research Farm, The National University of Lesotho Roma to determine the effect of graded levels of activated charcoal in the diets of laying hens on performance response, internal and external egg qualities. A total of 120 Hyline white hens, 44-week-old with a mean body weight of 2060.70 g and egg production level of 88.92% were randomly allotted into five treatment groups, with three replicates per treatment and 8 hens per replicate. Hens were fed ad libitum on a basal diet supplemented with activated charcoal at five different levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2% to give treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively for 42 days. Data collected on nutrient composition profile of the activated charcoal supplemented diets, performance response, and external and internal egg qualities were subjected to the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Supplementation of the basal diet of laying hens with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% activated charcoal produced significantly (p<0.05) increased dietary salt (NaCl) as the percentage of activated charcoal supplementation increased, but varied significant (p<0.05) sequence on CP, crude fat, ash, Ca and P. There was no significant (p>0.05) nutritional advantage of feeding activated charcoal to laying hens on the performance response, feed intake and final body weight. Activated charcoal supplementation significantly (p<0.05) improved egg weight, egg width and shell weight which are external egg indices at 2% level, and also significantly (p<0.05) improved some internal egg quality characteristics, yolk height, albumen weight and yolk colour at 2% level. The results of the study showed that activated charcoal supplementation of laying hens can be used at 2% level for enhancement of egg weight, egg width, shell weight, yolk height, albumen weight and yolk colour. Further research should be conducted to investigate the optimal supplementation level of activated charcoal which will not beadverse to the performance of hens and egg quality
The effect of the composite leaf of Aloe Barbadensis, Aloe Arborescens and Aloe Ferox as natural feed additive on broiler chicken production
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-10-26) Leteketa, Lisebo Salecia
The study was conducted on the Livestock farm of the National University of Lesotho, Roma, Maseru District, Lesotho to determine the effect of the composite leaf of Aloe barbadensis, Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox as natural feed supplements on broiler chicken production. 180-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly separated into four groups with a mean body weight of 43.00 g. One group each was randomly assigned to one of four experimental dietary treatments, with three replicates of 15 birds each/treatment. Treatment C was the control where the chicks received 0 mg/L composite leaf powder of aloe species supplement, while treatments T1, T2 and T3 received Aloe barbadensis, Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox composite leaf powder, respectively mixed with drinking water at the rate of 500 mg/L. These aloe species supplements were administered twice per week on the first day and midweek during a 49-day trial. The three aloe species were analyzed for their nutrient composition, and growth performance, carcass yield, and economics of production data collected were subjected to the One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test for statistical significance at 5% level of probability. Aloe barbadensis, Aloe arborescens and Aloe ferox supplements had no significant (p>0.05) effect on the final live body weight, feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and the economics of production/benefit cost at the starter, grower and finisher phases. At the finisher phase the A. barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox had no significant (p>0.05) effect on dressed weight, dressing percentage, % DW of back and neck, thigh, drumstick and wing, but had significant (p<0.05) effect on breast. Also, A. barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox had no significant effect (p>0.05) on all visceral organs except the % fasted live weight of liver, which varied significantly (p<0.05). The use of the composite leaf power of A. barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox as a dietary supplement in broiler chicken production at a rate of 500 mg/L did not enhance growth and benefit cost. Further research is necessary to investigate the best supplementation level for each of A.barbadensis, A. arborescens and A. ferox in the broiler chickens diet to enhance broiler chickens performance and economics of production.
Effect of land management practices in the lowlands on grass productivity and soil properties in the rangeland of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-11-02) Ramochela, Stephen Motlatsi
The study was conducted at Mahloenyeng rangeland, Matsieng, Maseru, Lesotho, to determine the effect of land management practices on grass productivity and soil properties in the lowland rangeland. The experiment had two treatment sites; rangeland fire and stone gabions, and three control sites which are the north-facing slope, the south-facing slope, and a riparian area, each with three replications. The indices determined were ecological data (vegetation characteristics), nutrient content, soil properties, and grass seed production. Grass cover, diversity, density, and frequency were measured using line transect and the point method. The Nitrogen-Isotope Ratio method was used to evaluate crude protein, the analysis of dietary fibre method was used to determine neutral detergent fibre, and the forage fibre analysis was used to determine acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin. The soil pH was determined using 1:2 (w/v) ratio, soil organic matter was determined using the Walkey-black method, and soil phosphorus was determined using Bray and Kurtz 1 (1980) method. Soil nitrogen was determined using the Kjeldahl method and soil potassium was calculated using the slope. The grass seed weight was determined using an electronic scale. This study found that rangeland fire and stone gabions had significant (p<0.05) effect on vegetation characteristics in rangeland sites in autumn and winter seasons and with no significant (p>0.05) differences amongst grass species. Rangeland fire and stone gabion sites had significant (p<0.05) effect on forage nutrient content namely neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, crude protein, cellulose, hemicellulose, and ash content but not on dry matter (p>0.05) in autumn and winter seasons. Rangeland fire and stone gabions significantly (p<0.05) affected soil properties namely soil pH, soil organic matter, soil nitrogen, soil phosphorus, and soil potassium, in bothseasons and likewise on seed production (p<0.05) in autumn and winter. The correlation of vegetation indices in autumn and winter seasons had significant (p<0.05) effect. Therefore, the vegetation characteristics of grass cover in rangelands must be understood for the sustainable use of grass cover for long term use of rangelands and the development of long-term range management strategies which can govern grazing length, carrying capacity, and distribution of animals in a rangeland should be investigated.
Assessment of productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows in the agro-ecoogical zones of Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-11-03) Monaheng, Thabiso Lawrence
Dairy cows, in most part of the world, are primarily reared for milk production even though in Lesotho they can also be sufficiently used in socio-cultural activities. Moreover, reproductive performance remains an essential trait in dairy production because if a dairy cow is infertile, there would be no milk production. A cross sectional study was conducted for the purpose of assessing the productive and reproductive performance of dairy cows in four agro-ecological zones of Lesotho. The specific objectives were to evaluate farmer’s experience in dairy production, determine age at puberty and conception rate of dairy cows per year, determine the age at first calving and calving interval, determine types of concentrates utilized in feeding strategies, evaluate reproductive health and related problems in dairy cows and determine milk yield in 300 days per cow. Farmers (249) were interviewed by means of a phone call and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20) was used for data analysis. Farmers (47.6%) had experience of 10 years in dairy production which increased significantly (p<0.05) in the Lowlands and Highlands. Again, natural mating (49.9%) had high conception rate than AI (34.6%). The current study revealed that calving interval ranges between 10 and 15 month hence most dairy cow bore a calf every year which also indicated that milk production cycle fell within 12 months. In terms of milk yield, the majority of dairy cows in the Low lands (18.6%), Foothills (31.8%) and High lands (37.5%) were producing an average of 10 litres of milk per day except in the Senqu RV (63.6%) where production decreased significantly (p>0.05) to 5 litres of milk per day. It’s also revealed that Friesian produced more milk than all breeds followed by Jersey and that was vivid in the Low lands and Foothills. However, milk production was still below optimum and that has been associated with factors such as poor feedingregimes, inadequate knowledge of milking, utilization of local bulls at the expense of using high quality semen for AI. In conclusion, based on the current study, dairy cow’s reproductive performance was very efficient and it confirms that dairy cows in Lesotho are very fertile. This is made on the basis of high conception rate. The major limiting factor on reproductive efficiency was the quantity and/or quality of feeds availability and dairy farmers who attempted to formulate ration at their own backyards lacked knowledge and skills. Hence they produced mixtures that could not meet animal requirements as such mixtures did not contain specific nutrient quantities and/or qualities.
Epidemiology and molecular determination of benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae: Nematoda) from naturally infected Merino sheep in Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-11-07) Phalatsi, Moeketsi Solomon
Small ruminants, especially Merino sheep, play an important role in the socio-economic and livelihoods of rural, resource-poor communities in Lesotho. Diseases and poor livestock husbandry practices threaten the small ruminant industry in low-income countries. The present study was designed to investigate the epidemiology, genetic characterization, and detection of anthelmintic resistance in Haemonchus contortus in communally grazed Merino sheep in the four ecological zones of Lesotho. Chapter 1 of the thesis encapsulates the general background and epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminants. Objectives and hypotheses of the study are presented in this chapter. GINs cause substantial economic losses in the small ruminant industry and constitute a limiting factor worldwide. There is, however, little knowledge on the occurrence of GINs, their distribution, intensity, and development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in small ruminants. Chapter 2 discusses an overview of H. contortus epidemiology in small ruminants. It further delves into GIN species identification, molecular characterization, and molecular detection of anthelmintic resistance. Chapter 3, presents the anthropogenic barriers and drivers associated with GIN control among smallholder Merino sheep farms in the four ecological zones of Lesotho. A questionnaire survey was designed to assess the activities in livestock management associated with GIN control in four ecological zones (Highlands, Foothills, Lowlands and Senqu River Valley) of Lesotho. Two hundred and twelve (212) respondents were interviewed across the four ecological zones. The study revealed a low literacy rate among Merino sheep farmers across Lesotho with male farmers (77.8%) dominating the industry. Highlands had significantly more animals per farm and predominantly practiced transhumance (93.6%). The respondents used commercial anthelmintic drugs enormously (98%) while herbal and indigenous remedies use was at 57.3%. Chapter 4, presents a stratified random and cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence, abundance, and geographical distribution of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in Merino sheep. Six hundrend and two (602) Merino sheep from 20 ollection sites were vii sampled for faecal matter. The McMaster method of the faecal egg count was used to determine the identity, diversity, and intensity of GIPs from Merino sheep from four ecological zones of Lesotho. Coprocultures were prepared, and third-stage larvae were identified by morphological and morphometric methods under the microscope. The three GIPs identified in the present study comprised, strongyles, Eimeria spp., and Monezia spp., recording prevalence rates of 64%, 18%, and 1.3%, respectively. The Highlands had the highest strongyle burdens (1170.97 ± 113.134) that were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in comparison with other ecological zones. Third-stage larvae from coproculture were subjected to a morphometric species identification protocol and were exclusively identified as H. contortus. Chapter 5, provides a molecular confirmatory test for presumptive morphometric GIN identification owing to the close morphological resemblance between the larvae GINs of ruminants, to give a more conclusive identity. PCR protocol that amplified the Second Internal Transcribed Spacer gene (ITS-2) of the ribosomal DNA was run using universal NC1 and NC2 primer sets. Gel electrophoresis of the ITS-2 resulted in about 350 bp gene segment and the Sanger sequencing protocol confirmed the third-stage larvae identity as 100% H. contortus. The present initiative provides the first molecular characterization of H. contortus in Lesotho. The phylogenetic tree analysis clustered 17 out of 20 sequences into one clade. The median haplotype analysis produced four haplotypes out of 20 ITS-2 sequences. The mean haplotype and nucleotide diversity values of the ITS-2 gene were 0.7684 ± 0.0689 and 0.00519, respectively. The molecular variation had distribution within topographic populations at 94.35 % while 5.65% was between populations (FST=0.05651, p > 0.05). The ITS-2 gene demonstrated a genetic structure with the most diversity within the population but less differentiation between topographic sub-populations. Chapter 6, presents the molecular genotyping of the beta-tubulin isotype-1 gene to determine defined point mutations associated with benzimidazole resistance of H. contortus in the four ecological zones of Lesotho. Immoderate administration of anthelmintic drugs has been reported to exacerbate the development of anthelmintic resistance (AR) in GINs in small ruminants, adding an unforeseen financial burden to the industry. Genotyping the beta- tubulin isotype-1 partial gene revealed the presence of a benzimidazole resistance-associated mutation (TAC) in codon 200. Three different types of alleles associated with AR in H. viii contortus were identified: homozygous susceptible (SS = 51.7%), heterozygous (SR = 32.6%), and homozygous resistant (RR = 15.7%). The present study presents the first molecular evidence of AR of H. contortus from Merino sheep in Lesotho. The phylogenetic tree analysis of the beta-tubulin isotype-1 partial gene clustered all sequences into one clade, depicting a close evolutionary relationship among all seven sequences. The partial gene exhibited haplotype and nucleotide diversity of 1.000 ± 0.076 and 0.01891, respectively. The result depicted absolute haplotypic differentiation among all seven sequences. Chapter 7, entails general discussions on the interconnections of different factors from the respective project's sub-sections. The overwhelming intensity and vast distribution of H. contortus in the study suggest it is the predominant cause of helminthiasis in Merino sheep in Lesotho. The present study suggests that extensive use of anthelmintic drugs in Merino sheep is a probable cause of AR development in H. contortus. Genetic characterization is the basis for molecular epidemiology and molecular tracer studies that inform on prevention initiatives and resistance detection. Timely and periodic parasite surveys on AR are essential for strategic management, prevention, and control of GINs

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