Development Solutions (Pty) Ltd in 2022  conducted a comprehensive market study on behalf of SOLIDARMED Lesotho under the COMBaCaL (Community-Based Chronic Disease Care Lesotho) programme to design sustainable social enterprise models for Chronic Care Workers (CCWs) in Mokhotlong and Butha-Buthe districts. The study combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, transect walks, desk reviews, and case studies of both successful and failed income-generating initiatives within Lesotho and across Africa. The objective was to identify simple, scalable, cost-effective and community-relevant models that would enable CCWs to remain self-sustaining beyond the project lifecycle.

The findings led to the development of five viable social enterprise models: dairy production with lucerne fodder, wool and mohair production (Merino sheep and Angora goats), airtime and mobile money services, tent and chair rental services, and poultry production (layers and broilers). The report further draws lessons from regional best practices on CHW motivation and sustainability, emphasizing leadership integrity, community ownership, financial transparency, and alignment between social mission and enterprise activity as critical success factors for long-term impact.