Restoring Hope and Building Resilience: How World Vision’s CSDRR Project Transformed Lives in Lesotho

By Lineo Monalana, Advocacy, Policy & Communications Officer (ECHO)

When the Prime Minister of Lesotho declared a national food insecurity crisis, thousands of families faced the devastating reality of hunger. In response, World Vision, through theConsolidating and Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (CSDRR) project, supported by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Operations (ECHO) took immediate action to support the most vulnerable. Among the 246 families who received life-saving food aid was one household in Thaba-Tseka, Ha Mats'umunyane, a family that was struggling to survive on just two meager meals a day.

Food distribution to vulnerable communities 

For three critical months, from October to December 2023, World Vision provided food packages filled with essentials such as maize meal, cabbage, oil, soap and other items, ensuring that families like this one had enough to eat. The impact was profound. 

"Before this support, our children often went to bed hungry, but during those months, we were able to eat three healthy meals a day which improved our health, and our worries eased." The household head shared.

Planted vegetables in the beneficiary’s garden

Yet, World Vision's commitment extended beyond emergency relief. Recognizing that sustainable solutions are the key to breaking the cycle of hunger and malnutrition, the project also provided families with seeds, including spinach, beetroot, onion, and carrots, empowering them to grow their own food. This family immediately put these seeds to use. 

"Now, we are eating from our own garden. Not only did this help us through the crisis, but we also saved seeds for the next planting season, ensuring food security beyond this year."

She further said with gratitude.

This initiative is more than just aid but a life-changing investment in resilience, nutrition, and dignity. Families that once feared an uncertain future can now cultivate their own food, breaking free from the grip of hunger. As the household head expresses her heartfelt thanks to World Vision, her words reflect the power of compassion, action, and sustainable impact.

Every family deserves the right to food security. Every child deserves a future free from hunger. Let’s continue to advocate, act, and support initiatives that empower communities and transform lives.