The MDIH Project aims to increase rural incomes and fight food insecurity through investing in climate-smart irrigation infrastructure and attracting commercial farmers to collaborate with local, small-holder farmers to produce high-value crops and build strong value chains. The MDIH project will also support government reforms and capacity to sustain inclusive and sustainable growth of the horticulture sector. The MDIH project is comprised of the following three activities:

a) A catalytic investment in irrigation infrastructure of up to 2,000 hectares of irrigated land at several sites in Leribe (Kolonyama under the Tsoili-Tsoili Community Council, Peka in the Manka Community Council, Likhakeng) and one site in Mohale’s Hoek (Phamong in the Lithipeng Community Council), and introduction of post-harvest facilities and an associated training program for farmers to decrease the products’ value loss or degradation, thereby increasing their shelf-life;

b) Irrigated horticulture support services which will focus on helping smallholder farmers and landowners overcome the obstacles to sustaining their irrigation systems by providing relevant technical assistance and attracting experienced commercial farmers to help leverage smallholder efforts and sustain infrastructure investments; and

c) Support reforms in land, water, and gender-inclusive services with the expectation that these interventions will spur sustainable and inclusive private sector growth and investment in the horticulture sector.