Communities in Lesotho Embrace Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilience

By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications & Digital Officer, Lesotho

In the remote highlands of Lesotho, communities are gearing up to face the challenges of climate change with resilience and determination. In these fragile areas the challenges of climate change are deeply felt, and yet today communities are finding hope and resilience through innovative approaches to tackling the plight of climate change.

Through the Faith Partnerships for Environmental Stewardship & Climate Action project, World Vision International Lesotho is laying the groundwork for transformative interventions that will empower communities to adapt and thrive in the face of a changing climate, empowering faith actors and communities to combat the effects of climate change head-on.

Lesotho, a country largely dependent on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and water, faces significant challenges posed by climate change. Recurring droughts, land degradation, and loss of biodiversity threaten the country's sustainable development efforts. In early 2022, the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) estimated that 338,000 Basotho (approximately 15% of the population) would face severe hunger due to food production disruptions caused by both COVID-19 and erratic weather patterns.

"The effects of climate change have been hard on our lives. We have struggled to grow enough food to feed our families, and every year, the droughts seem to get worse," shared 'Manteboheng Thupa, a member of the community, reflecting on the hardships they endured.

The effects of climate change have been hard on our lives. We have struggled to grow enough food to feed our families, and every year, the droughts seem to get worse - Manteboheng Thupa

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, World Vision International Lesotho through the Faith Partnerships for Environmental Stewardship & Climate Action project set out to empower faith actors and communities to address the pressing challenges of climate change. As the project unfolds, efforts are underway to strengthen adaptation and mitigation strategies within faith communities in Mokhotlong and Leribe through a series of workshops and capacity-building; and while the journey towards transformative change has just begun, the seeds of progress are already being sown.

In Lesotho, where the impacts of climate change are deeply felt, the project seeks to capacitate faith and traditional leaders to influence positive social norms and behaviours related to climate change; implement improved practices on conservation (land and water) and greenhouse gas emission reduction, enhance the participation of boys and girls in climate change education, mitigation, and adaptation; learning and evidencing the contribution of faith-based approaches to climate action to foster sustainability.

With a target of 150 households, 1200 congregations, 1000 boys, 1500 girls, and 1500 adults, the project engages a cross-section of stakeholders including faith and traditional leaders, local and national climate action volunteers, parents/caregivers, and youth peer educators.

Recently in Mokhotlong; World Vision International Lesotho alongside the Christian Council of Lesotho and local communities, showcased the effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture. These demonstrations not only promote sustainable farming practices but also emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship. Through conservation of agriculture practices, communities learned to minimize soil disturbance and maintain soil cover, preserving precious nutrients and moisture essential for crop growth.

"We have been facing tough times here in Mokhotlong, as you can see even rivers are dry. Droughts parch our fields, and heavy rainfall/storms often sweep away our crops, leaving us with nothing," shared 'Manteboheng Thupa, a community member. These challenges are all too real for the communities in Lesotho's highlands. However, amidst adversity, there's a sense of determination to overcome.

We have been facing tough times here in Mokhotlong, as you can see even rivers are dry. Droughts parch our fields, and heavy rainfall/storms often sweep away our crops, leaving us with nothing - Manteboheng Thupa,

"Our goal as World Vision is the sustained wellbeing of children, especially the most vulnerable. This project is changing lives by also equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to be resilient in the face of climate change. Through child-friendly climate change education and participation in adaptation efforts, children are becoming active agents of change within their communities. They are learning about climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, and disaster preparedness, empowering them to take proactive measures to safeguard their future." explains Mohau Moeketsi, World Vision International Lesotho Faith & Development Manager.

This project is changing lives by also equipping children with the knowledge and skills they need to be resilient in the face of climate change. Through child-friendly climate change education and participation in adaptation efforts, children are becoming active agents of change within their communities - Mohau Moeketsi

As children become ambassadors for climate action, they are not only building resilience within their communities but also inspiring others to join the fight against climate change and through their actions and advocacy, they are shaping a more sustainable and prosperous Lesotho for generations to come.

Since the project's inception in 2023, over 50 faith leaders, 200 community members, and 300 children have been reached, laying the foundation for transformative change. These numbers represent not only individuals, but also entire communities mobilized to address the impacts of climate change.

"We knew we had to do something to help our people. Climate change was affecting us all, and we needed solutions," remarked Mathaleha Lesala, a local faith leader, recalling the urgency that drove their actions.

We knew we had to do something to help our people. Climate change was affecting us all, and we needed solutions," remarked Mathaleha Lesala, a local faith leader, recalling the urgency that drove their actions. - Mathaleha Lesala

As communities embrace these transformative interventions, a sense of optimism and determination fills the air. While the road ahead may be challenging, there is a shared commitment to building a more resilient future for generations to come.

"We are immensely grateful for the initiative shown by World Vision to introduce climate-smart agriculture in our village. With these skills, we can ensure food security for our families even in the face of unpredictable weather conditions," expressed Mathaleha Lesala, his voice filled with gratitude.

We are immensely grateful for the initiative shown by World Vision to introduce climate-smart agriculture in our village. With these skills, we can ensure food security for our families even in the face of unpredictable weather conditions - Mathaleha Lesala

The journey towards transformative change has just begun, but the seeds of progress are already taking root. Through collaboration and shared learning, communities in Lesotho are preparing for the challenges of a changing climate with resilience and determination.