Leribe, Aug. 26 — An action plan to guide preparedness and response to the anticipated El Niño conditions is being developed in Leribe.
This follows a two-day training workshop organised by the Improving Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable and Food-Insecure Populations in Lesotho (IACoV) project at Ha Setene, which started on Wednesday and ends on Thursday.
The workshop brings together members of the Leribe District Disaster Management Team (DDMT), comprising government ministries and departments and non-governmental organisations.
Officiating the workshop, District Disaster Manager Ms. Khopotso Rakolobe urged the team to be vigilant when developing the district’s action plan to mitigate the impacts of El Niño and protect communities.
She referred to the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment, which indicates that some communities are already experiencing food insecurity, saying the anticipated El Niño conditions could worsen the situation.
Ms. Rakolobe therefore called on the team to put more effort into developing an effective action plan that will guide activities to mitigate the effects of El Niño.
Speaking on behalf of the IACoV Project Coordinator, Mr. Kuroane Phakoe said the first phase of the project was implemented over four years and was funded with M159.164 million.
He said the successful implementation of Phase I had paved the way for Phase II.
Mr. Phakoe said the first component of Phase II focuses on early warning, while the second focuses on awareness creation, including the dissemination of information and adaptation methods.
He said DDMT members need to understand forecast terminology and alert levels, expected impacts on different sectors and livelihoods, as well as recommended preparedness actions.
He said communication channels for disseminating El Niño information would include media buying, bulk messaging, WhatsApp groups, community gatherings, schools and churches.
Mr. Phakoe said key messages would focus on expected rainfall conditions, water conservation, climate-smart agriculture, livestock protection, and health and nutrition practices.
Meanwhile, National Climate Change Committee member Mr Mofihli Phaqane said Lesotho’s National Climate Change Policy was developed in 2017.
He said its objectives include building climate-resilient development, exploring low-carbon growth opportunities, and strengthening governance, capacity and financing for vulnerable communities.
On behalf of the Disaster Management Authority, Training Officer Mrs. Nonkosi Chabalala urged the team to adhere to El Niño preparedness and response measures and work collaboratively.
She said El Niño-related climate conditions could affect water availability, agriculture and food security, livestock, health services, energy, education, the environment and infrastructure.
Mrs. Chabalala said early warning and early action translate forecasts into understandable warnings and ensure that information reaches communities.
“This ensures warnings reach remote areas through correct communication channels,” she said.
She said preparedness measures include conducting risk assessments, updating contingency plans and establishing clear communication channels.
The DDMT comprises representatives from the Lesotho Meteorological Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Food and Nutrition Coordinating Office and Lesotho Mounted Police Service, among others.
IACoV Phase II is financed through the Adaptation Fund under the climate financing framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The project seeks to deepen and scale up adaptation interventions in four highly vulnerable districts, namely Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Thaba-Tseka.
Ends/KC
