In an effort to illuminate food insecurity challenges currently holding Lesotho in a choke hold, Bacha Shut Down (BSD) a Non-Governmental Organisation that works towards holding the Government accountable and act to solve issues faced by Basotho reveal in a letter addressed to the Government earlier this month that they have closely monitored agricultural activities in Lesotho and observed significant developments and setbacks in the sector.
According to the letter, the country’s agricultural landscape had been bleak despite last year’s allocation of M1.2 billion in the agricultural budget that was believed to have brought a ray of hope for many.
BSD’s agricultural advisor Mohau Makhupane believed that Government’s investment in state-of-the-art tractors, which were utilized in the previous winter planting season, showcased a commitment to modernizing agriculture.
An innovative by the Government, that Makhupane applauded, was the assistance to farmers who could not afford to crop their farms received, “Farmers entered into a five-year partnership with the government, resulting in the procurement of essential tools and fertilizers,” he said.
Disappointingly, the advisor said these efforts yielded mixed results as some farmers did not recieve aid in time and failed to participate in the cropping season as a result of the Ministry of Agriculture’s lack of urgency in providing fertilizers.
During the summer planting season, fields were cultivated, but many farmers suffered losses because the promised fertilizers were not delivered by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Makhupane attributed this failure to poor communication channels between the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry, and agricultural officers.
“Wheat was planted, but the overall yield was disappointing as some fields remained unplanted.”
Additionally, he expressed in frustration that despite expectations for affordable wheat prices due to success wheat harvests prices surged unexpectedly.
The government cited climate change as a contributing factor to these issues.
Makhupane believes that the season can still be saved should tools and fertilizers be readily accessible to farmers to ensure timely preparation for planting seasons.
A takeaway that the Government can have, according to him is to promote sustainace in communities and not rely on imported produce. “With appropriate support, agriculture could stabilize 50% of the economy.”
This is said to be possibly if the Government can assist farmers, considering the high unemployment rate and the youth’s increasing involvement in agriculture.
“We further advocate for an increased agricultural budget of M2.5 billion to cover all agricultural needs comprehensively.”
“The agricultural sector in Lesotho stands at a critical juncture, and proactive measures are essential to secure its future and, by extension, the country’s economic stability.”
Similarly, in a previous Issue by Weekly Observer dated 27 June 2024, Economist Thabo Qhesi addressed recent extreme weather, including floods, drought, frost, strong winds and heavy snowfall plagueing Lesotho stating that they have wreaked havoc on Lesotho’s agro-ecological systems. These events have led to crop failures, unproductive rangelands and widespread food insecurity.
“The impacts extend beyond agriculture, affecting water resources, tourism, and health sectors,” he continued adding that damage to public and private infrastructure has necessitated costly repairs, road closures, limited access to electricity and complete failures of sewage and storm-water systems.
Consequently, the economic repercussions are substantial, with total losses and damages estimated at 3.2% of Lesotho’s GDP.
From his observation, Qhesi highlighted the ripple effects of climate change as having reduced agricultural productivity, exacerbated poverty and triggered rural-urban migration, unemployment and political instability.
“Local and regional food markets have felt the strain, with climate change-induced challenges causing food insecurity and malnutrition.”
Food prices have soared compared to the previous year, undermining household purchasing power and further straining food security.
The fluctuating global food markets, in the context of climate change, have compounded the problem, making it increasingly difficult for households to secure adequate nutrition.
Despite efforts to bolster food security programs, Lesotho faces chronic challenges in this area. The country has struggled to address rural poverty and promote inclusive social development.
“Over a quarter of the population faces acute food insecurity, necessitating urgent humanitarian action to reduce food gaps, protect and restore livelihoods, and prevent malnutrition,” the CEO said.
Lesotho’s journey towards achieving zero hunger remains fraught with obstacles. The nation’s resilience is being tested as it navigates the dual challenges of extreme weather and climate change, underscoring the need for robust, adaptive strategies to safeguard its agricultural economy and ensure food security for its people.
Addressing a constitutional challenge brought by the Christian Advocates and Ambassadors Association, which seeks to force the government to introduce food subsidies in response to the recent maize meal price hikes.
Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, while addressing the High Court responded, “It is denied that there is a right to food. I further deny that the right to life is inclusive of emotional, intellectual, or spiritual needs. The right to life literally pertains to non-deprivation of one’s life, which I must add may be deprived as captured in Section 5 of the Constitution,” a local newspaper reported.
Ministry of Education and Training’s Principal Secretary Ratsiu Majara has addressed concerns about equipping learners and pupils with skills in food production to ensure a sustainable future through young farmers.
He noted that agriculture is included in the school curriculum and that some schools, due to feeding schemes, have areas dedicated to growing food for student consumption.
However, these initiatives face challenges. They often fall short of providing sustainable feeding schemes for extended periods and cannot be solely relied upon as a consistent source of fresh produce.
Majara highlighted issues such as unsuitable soil types and limited space, which hinder large-scale production efforts in schools.
He emphasized that achieving self-reliance through these measures is unrealistic, “Self reliance is impossible to achieve in schools as some produces only last them at least a month.”
