RSDA

Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA)

Registered in Lesotho as a non-government organization since 1991, Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA) no. 91/85 under Lesotho Societies Act of 1966, RSDA exists to eradicate extreme hunger and improve the lives of rural Basotho by supporting sustainable agriculture, facilitating self-help and enabling farming communities to become sustainable. RSDA supports smallholder farmers to be able to stand together, speak as one voice and advocate for their needs and economic empowerment. RSDA is a leading agricultural advisory services agency that supports farmers by providing strategic services, capacity building and advocacy support for sustainable climate smart agriculture, value addition and marketing of farmer’s products.

RSDA enhances livelihoods and builds climate resilient Basotho communities by helping people to help themselves, working collaboratively and in partnership with other stakeholders. Furthermore RSDA has implemented and gained experience in implementing internationally financed projects as both national projects and regional projects and has a proven reach in the 10 districts of Lesotho.

RSDA has a flat organizational structure where smallholder farmers, stakeholders including Government Ministries and Civil Society organizations are represented in the Board of Directors. In terms of governance, RSDA’s Constitution stipulates that the Board of Directors is the supreme governing body. Subject to its statutory obligations under the RSDA’s Constitution, the Board of Directors has the responsibility to lead, control, set strategic direction of the organization and approves policies that shape the organisation’s operations. The Board monitors RSDA’s financial position, business affairs, appoints auditors and approves budgets and plans.

Secretariat is headed by the Managing Director leading projects managers and field. RSDA offers technical support to these communities through its experienced, the field supervisors who stays among the farming community. We do this thanks to the generous support of the research, crops and livestock departments of the Lesotho Government’s Ministry of Agriculture and various international partner agencies.

Financing and Financial Management

RSDA receives 95 percent of its financial resources from its funding partners and sub-contract implementation work for government and other agencies. RSDA’s Board of Directors appoints internationally recognized auditors to audit its accounts . The accounts are audited annually and interim half-annual audited accounts are also produced. RSDA uses Pastel computer software for its accounts.