Beyond the immediate concern of where the next meal will come from, Mapeshoane Chitja from Likhutlong has another worry: that his wife, who left for South Africa in search of work, might not return and could find a new husband there.
“My wife left to seek a job in South Africa after realizing that putting food on the table this year has been a struggle. My family relies entirely on subsistence farming, and this year’s harvest only lasted us for three months. Even the vegetables we planted dried out, meaning there’s no food now. We depend entirely on handouts and donations because neither of us is employed,” he explained.
Similarly, Mamosa Rakoae from Ha Nqabeni, a single mother of four, has been struggling since the death of her husband, who was the family’s breadwinner.
“My mother-in-law has borrowed us her field, but I haven’t harvested anything due to the severe drought that had hit us. All the maize I planted there died out. To feed my children now, I do odd jobs like washing clothes for people or collecting firewood for the elderly. That way, I can earn a little money to buy a packet of mealie-meal and cabbage, which we eat three times a day,” she explained.
Other survival strategies mentioned by residents include helping others in their fields in exchange for a portion of the harvest and harvesting and selling rosehips.
In July this year, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane announced that an estimated 699,049 people are facing food insecurity in 2024/25. This announcement followed the release of the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment report by the Disaster Management Authority, which showed a 17% increase in the number of people facing hunger, bringing the total to 33.7% of the population.
The report further indicated that a staggering M1.149 billion is needed to ensure people’s survival, a significant increase from M394 million last year. With a population of 2.077 million, Lesotho faces a poverty rate of 49.7% and an unemployment rate of 22.5%. Inflation, as of April 2024, stood at 7.4%, further straining household incomes.
The situation is exacerbated by the high prevalence of HIV, which affects 25.6% of the population, and a maternal mortality rate of 618 per 100,000 births. These vulnerabilities have been worsened by economic shocks, including job losses, reduced opportunities in on-farm and casual labour, and rising prices, all of which have significantly weakened household purchasing power.
In response to this crisis, the government of Lesotho has launched several initiatives to support vulnerable communities. One such initiative is the “Tsoha o Iketsetse” project, designed to provide financial assistance to those in need. Under this project, participants receive M500 after engaging in developmental projects aimed at improving their communities. The project was launched at Lerobane in the Pholo-Namane site, where the first group of participants was encouraged by officials to fully dedicate themselves to the work.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Chaba, a government representative, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the dire food insecurity situation. He acknowledged that the funds might seem insufficient but urged participants to focus on how this money could support their families, even if only for a short period.
“The government realised that many people are at risk of dying from hunger without intervention. Despite efforts to cultivate fields, drought has led to poor harvests,” he stated. His message was clear: the project is a lifeline for those facing hunger and must be embraced with determination.
District Disaster Management Authority Coordinator Ms. Mojabeng Mohloki also addressed the community, highlighting the project’s primary aim of supporting vulnerable populations during this challenging time. She reminded participants that the government is providing financial aid to help them purchase essential items such as food, clothing, and medication. Ms. Mohloki also informed the participants that their work would be closely monitored, with supervisors making regular visits to ensure compliance with the project’s objectives.
Local leadership also played a role in motivating the participants. Councilor for Ha Majara, Mr. Thoriso Dlamini, urged the group to work diligently, noting that the developments would benefit the entire community. He stressed the importance of adhering to the project’s rules and regulations to ensure its success.
One of the participants, Mrs. Malerato Ntlamelle, expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by the project. She noted that while food remains a priority, the money would also allow her to buy clothes and shoes for her children, who currently do not have school shoes. Her sentiments reflect the reality faced by many in Lesotho, where even basic necessities are hard to come by.
The Tsoha o Iketsetse project was initiated following a report by the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (LVAC), which revealed the extent of hunger in the country, with some people already succumbing to it. The project’s launch had been delayed due to severe weather conditions, a stark reminder of the environmental challenges that continue to plague the nation.
In conclusion, Lesotho’s food insecurity crisis is a multifaceted challenge driven by environmental, socio-economic, and health-related factors. The government’s efforts, including initiatives like the Tsoha o Iketsetse project and the DMA’s strategic plan, are critical steps toward addressing these challenges. However, the road ahead is long, and sustained efforts will be required to build resilience and ensure food security for all Basotho.
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