Quthing, July 24 — More than 55 community members from villages near the Let’sa-la-Letsie catchment have acquired practical skills in charcoal production during a two-day training held at Ha Peete and Ha Lazaro respectively this week.
The training, organized by the District Forestry Division in collaboration with the Regeneration of Livelihoods and Landscape (ROLL) Project, aimed to equip residents with sustainable livelihood skills by converting invasive shrubs into charcoal.
District Coordinator for Environment and Forestry, Mrs. Motekoa Ramalitse, explained that the initiative first of its kind in the district will motivate communities to engage in brush control while producing charcoal from indigenous shrubs such as Felicia filifolia and Chrysocoma, locally known as sehalahala, which have invaded pastures.
She emphasized that the project will benefit diverse groups, keeping youth engaged, promoting collaboration between men and women, and generating income through charcoal sales.
District Forester, Mr. Thabo Mphohla highlighted the broader impact of the project, noting that brush control will improve rangelands for animal feed, enhance wool and mohair quality, and prevent soil erosion through the creation of trash lines along slopes.
He added that the department will continue working with environmental management partners to expand similar training across the district.
ROLL Project Field Officer, Ms. Moselantja Rahlao underscored the gender benefits, pointing out that women who often travel long distances to collect firewood will now have the opportunity to produce and sell charcoal locally, improving family income and reducing hardship.
She emphasized that the project provides sustainable skills and market opportunities for charcoal and other products.
Participants expressed gratitude, noting that charcoal production relies on locally available resources such as sehalahala, grinding stones, drums, wheat meal, and molds made from cut pipes.
Mr. Tumisang Letsie said the training motivated them to intensify voluntary shrub removal and also provided knowledge on producing hybrid fruit tree seedlings.
Youth participant Miss. Ret’sepile Lemphane added that the training was particularly valuable for young people seeking productive livelihood opportunities.
The last livelihood-improvement activity under the project was held in June, when communities received cottage industry training in bedding, cushions and rugs.
The ROLL Project is also being implemented in Thaba-Tseka, Leribe, Berea, Qacha’s Nek, and Botha-Bothe.
It is funded by international partners including the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Government of Lesotho.
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