The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) mission visited two distinct projects in the district to assess the advancements of the Regeneration of Livelihoods and Landscape Project on Wednesday.
At the Matšoana-fike Organisation in Ha Molapo, IFAD Senior Technical Specialist for Natural Resources Management, Ms. Mathilda Iweins, discussed the mission’s objective, saying their presence is aimed at understanding the activities carried out by the organizations to enhance their livelihoods while also conserving the landscape.
“As we strive to grasp your projects and intentions, we are eager to learn how we can assist in augmenting and expanding your project, enabling you to achieve the goals you have established for yourselves. Throughout the project’s lifespan, we will periodically review the progress you have made, ensuring you are on the correct path and fully comprehend the responsibilities and objectives you have set,” she explained.
Representing the Matšoana-fike project, the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs. Mapalesa Selia, shared how ROLL’s education on landscape management revealed new roles for women, previously thought to be men’s responsibility within their villages.
She noted the initial skepticism about uniting different villages to form a livelihood-generating association. However, workshops and educational sessions, coupled with motivational study tours to Mohale’s Hoek, Mafeteng, and Tšehlanyane, showcasing other villages’ efforts in sustaining their livelihoods and managing rangelands and wetlands, ignited their determination.
Motivated by these insights, the members initiated brush control over 3.5 hectares of rangeland, with plans to expand these efforts to all surrounding rangelands of the 11 villages that make up the organization.
“We aim to cultivate fruit trees on land allocated by the chief, grow seedlings in an existing tunnel, and venture into poultry farming. Achieving these goals requires a monthly membership fee of M30.00 from all members, alongside additional support from ROLL,” she elaborated.
During the visit to Ha Leboea, the Sa Puruma Sebata Organisation presented their objectives and the support they seek from ROLL. Speaking for the organisation, Mr. Nkala Nkala highlighted their success in eradicating invasive species across 4 hectares of rangeland.
The organization, comprising 32 members from 7 villages, plans to cultivate vegetables on two hectares and embark on a beekeeping project, leveraging their knowledge and available equipment.
IFAD loans bolster the efforts of smallholder farmers to achieve food security, increase income, and enhance nutrition. Boosting productivity is crucial for these goals and for reducing rural poverty.
IFAD’s programs and projects foster the participation of rural communities in planning and developing income-generating activities, including microenterprises, reflecting the commitment seen in Lesotho’s local initiatives.
Source: LENA 10/04/2024
