ReNOKA and Alliance Française de Maseru will on Saturday, 24 June 2023 from 10h00 to 15h00 host the first of our monthly “Farmers’ markets” to allow farmers and handcraft producers to sell their products directly to consumers.
The market will be installed in the garden of the Alliance Française de Maseru. Although, there will be a winter break in July and August, the next market is scheduled for 30th of September.
For this first edition of the market, patrons can purchase produce and handicrafts from more than 16 farmers and handcrafts producers such as seasonal vegetables, free range chicken and eggs, honey, dried fruits, potatoes, dairy products, French baguette and croissants, bakery, sauces, wheat and sorghum, leather and wool handcrafts. All are produced in Lesotho and are mostly organic.
There will also be a cooking demonstration by local chefs to show the great potential of local food.
The aim of this initiative is to foster direct linkages between producers and consumers, offering fresh, quality local food and handcrafted products while promoting the local economy and a culture of quality consumption and cultural exchange.
The market will also promote sustainability and food diversity by featuring seasonal produce and locally produced raw and processed food and handcrafts.
Farmers’ markets are a critical ingredient to our nation’s economy, food systems, and communities. These direct marketing outlets serve as small business incubators and spur new economic development.
The Farmers’ Market is also a good opportunity of evaluating barriers, creating trust amongst consumers and producers. It will further provide technical assistance to the farmers through discussions between the local farmers and experts in marketing, sharing insights, experiences and ideas to move forward into bringing farmers and their products closer to consumers.
