Quthing, May 13 — Community councilors from Mphaki Community Council have been sensitized on Phase II of the Improving Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable and Food-Insecure Populations in Lesotho (IACoV II) project during their monthly.
Presenting the project overview, Project Coordinator Mr. Thabo Nobala explained that the five-year initiative, funded with over M170 million by the Adaptation Fund under the UNFCCC climate financing framework, is a partnership between the Government of Lesotho and the World Food Programme (WFP).
He said the project aims to amongst others enhance climate resilience by building the capacity of vulnerable communities and households to adapt to climate change impacts on food security.
He highlighted the project will also strengthen government and community based adaptation through capacity building and empowerment of government institutions to generate climate information, forecast shocks, mobilize early action and implementation of local resilience community projects including youth.
Mr. Nobala noted that Phase II builds on achievements from Phase I, and will cover forecasts toward long-term anticipatory climate action rather than emergency response.
The project Coordinator that Basotho, which largely depends on agriculture, must adapt to climate shocks that threaten food production. Project activities, led by among other departments Agriculture and Food Security and Environment and Forestry, will include water and soil conservation, nutrition programs, vegetable and crop production, fruit tree planting and development of community-based participatory plans.
The project will also promote commercial agriculture by linking producers with suppliers and consumers, while ensuring vulnerable households gain access to early warning information.
At the same event, Chief Mpiti Letsie, representing local chiefs in the council, expressed gratitude for the project and urged councilors to support its implementation.
The Chairperson of Mphaki Community Council Mr. Hlalele Hlephe also welcomed the initiative, pledging to hold public gatherings to sensitize communities for sustainability.
Community Councillor Mrs. ‘Malerato Mokoma from Ha-Potso Electoral Division highlighted that such projects address pressing needs including food insecurity, unemployment, and rangeland degradation.
Similar sensitization meetings have been held in Qomoqomong, Telle, and Tosing community councils. The IACoV II project is also being implemented in Mohale’s Hoek, Mafeteng, and Thaba-Tseka districts.
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