Using horses for plot maintenance and sowing at Levi’s Nek Farm, Lesotho

At Levi’s Nek Farm, the horse plays an essential role in agricultural work, particularly for plot maintenance and sowing.

The farm’s young people prepare a mixture of seed, compost and manure, which they then place in furrows created using an animal-drawn seeder. This method enables direct sowing without ploughing, preserving soil structure and promoting moisture conservation, in line with the principles of conservation agriculture.

Animal traction is a common practice in Lesotho, particularly in mountainous areas where access to motorized equipment is limited. It enables agricultural work such as ploughing, sowing and transport to be carried out using animals such as horses, donkeys and mules.

This approach is adapted to local conditions and contributes to sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.