ABSTRACT
No single innovation could be expected to control or even to affect all factors. While mechanization could change the entire picture of agriculture in Basutoland, its immediate advantage applies directly to one phase in the farming cycle. All ploughing and a good deal of planting must be completed within that time since a late-started crop runs the risk of being caught by frost before it has matured. But all the ploughing and much of the planting depend on the availability of draught oxen which, at the time when these operations must be done, are weak after months of drought and poor grazing. The District Council in Mafeteng, taking office alter the 1960 elections, was conscientiously determined to use its new executive powers to improve the lot of its electorate. A part of the loan was granted and six of the projected twenty-four tractors delivered on schedule.
