…as stakeholders push for innovation, youth empowerment in farming
THE Confucius Institute of the National University of Lesotho (NUL CI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, held a one-day consultative meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation in agricultural education and innovation.
The meeting was held under the theme: “Strengthening Sino-Lesotho partnerships in Agricultural Education, Innovation and Youth Empowerment.”
The Confucius Institute at NUL is positioned as a centre of excellence in linguistic and agricultural education, aligning with Lesotho’s national development goals while fostering international cooperation.
In his remarks, the ministry’s Principal Secretary, Khothatso Tšooana, said the engagement reaffirmed the strong potential for collaboration between the two institutions.
“This engagement highlights opportunities in agricultural training, including research, innovation and youth empowerment, which are central to the national development agenda and food security priorities,” Dr Tšooana said.
He expressed appreciation for the support pledged by the Confucius Institute.
“We are very appreciative of the valuable support the Confucius Institute has committed to provide, including capacity building, technical expertise, knowledge exchange and skills development. These will strengthen our efforts to modernise the agricultural sector and enhance the capabilities of our human resources,” he said.
Dr Tšooana added that key priority areas for collaboration had already been identified.
“These include intensifying cooperation between NUL CI and the ministry in the training of smallholder farmers and government officials on agro-processing, animal disease prevention and control, and farm machinery, as well as the establishment of Belt and Road laboratories in Lesotho.”
He said the outcomes of the meeting provided a solid foundation for a structured and results-oriented partnership.
“As the ministry, we welcome this collaboration and stand ready to support its advancement, including facilitating necessary processes towards formal endorsement and broadening stakeholder engagement.”
Dr Tšooana emphasised the need for implementation.
“Our task now is implementation. We must translate today’s discussions into tangible programmes that will strengthen the agricultural sector, empower youth and improve livelihoods across the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, NUL Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Fajana, said the partnership comes at a critical time for the country.
“We are standing at the intersection of knowledge, innovation and national development. This partnership has the potential to nourish our people and secure a prosperous future for Lesotho,” Prof Fajana said.
He described NUL as a beacon of higher education, research and community service, adding that the Confucius Institute was established through a partnership with Jilin University in China.
“The institute embodies our commitment to collaboration and serves as a hub for practical agricultural skills, agro-processing and youth empowerment, which are critical to the country’s food security and economic resilience.”
Prof Fajana highlighted opportunities arising from the partnership.
“These include joint training programmes where youth can learn modern farming techniques, Chinese language training for agricultural extension workers, access to global expertise, exchange visits for innovation, and agro-processing initiatives.”
He added that the collaboration could help address key challenges.
“This partnership can transform challenges such as climate change and youth unemployment into opportunities for sustainable growth,” he said.
Confucius Institute Co-Director, Meng Fanxing, said the institute serves as an academic hub across multiple areas.
“The Confucius Institute operates as a hub for Chinese language and culture, offering structured programmes from basic to advanced levels, enabling students and professionals to engage effectively with China in trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange,” Dr Meng said.
He added that the institute also focuses on agricultural sciences and technology.
“We introduce innovative agricultural techniques and sustainable farming practices inspired by China’s experience in agronomy, food security and agro-processing,” he said.
Dr Meng said the institute further promotes research and knowledge exchange.
“We promote joint research initiatives between Lesotho and China, focusing on sustainable agricultural development, technology transfer and interdisciplinary learning.”
He said cultural and academic collaboration also formed a key component of the institute’s work through exchange programmes, international conferences and cooperative educational projects.
Dr Meng stressed the importance of agricultural cooperation in addressing food insecurity.
“China has been farming successfully for many years. Now Basotho farmers will learn new ways to grow more food, save water and fight climate change from the Chinese experience. Chinese experts will visit Lesotho to share knowledge with farmers.”
He revealed that since its launch in 2025, the institute has already made significant progress in language training.
“We have covered every education level for Chinese language, including NUL students, NUL International School students, Roma Primary learners, the Roma community and NUL staff, reaching more than 1,200 people with basic Mandarin,” Dr Meng said.
