The government of Lesotho has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up the fight against climate change saying that the country is moving from groundwork to accelerated implementation under Phase II of its climate resilience programme.
In her remarks during the launch of the Improving Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable and Food Insecure Populations in Lesotho (IACoV II) the Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara said that was a major step towards climate change resilience since October 2020 the government of Lesotho had been in partnership with WFP and the Adaptation Fund working together towards resilience through the IACoV I project.
She mentioned that the government had deliberately prioritised food security, climate change, gender and nutrition nexus as the preferred pathway to deliver the IACoV mandate and strengthen the livelihood of Basotho.
In his opening remarks, The Minister of Forestry and Land reclamation, Mr. Letsema Adonts’i said Phase I of the aforementioned project laid a strong foundation by strengthening conservation efforts, enhancing environmental governance systems and improving climate information services for communities.
He indicated that Phase I was not only about development but was about conservation and building resilience where societies were enhanced on systems to respond effectively to climate change ensuring that this issue is no longer just a debate but a reality that is actively being addressed.
The Minister highlighted that improved climate data systems are now helping farmers make informed decisions reducing uncertainty and enabling better risk management in the agricultural sector. He noted that access to reliable weather forecasts and early warning systems has empowered rural communities to plan more effectively.
Mr. Adonts’i emphasized that as Lesotho transitions into Phase II, the focus will be on scaling up existing interventions rather than starting anew adding that the next phase aligns with the National Strategic Development Plan and prioritizes human capital development, digital innovation, climate resilience, and food security.
He further indicated that gender equality remains central to climate action strategies as when climate-related disasters occur, women and children are often the most affected therefore the approaches should ensure that women are not merely beneficiaries but active leaders in building climate resilience and driving sustainable development.
The Minister also called on young people to take advantage of opportunities within the green economy, urging them to use innovation and digital skills to modernize agriculture, strengthen value chains and promote climate-smart business practices.
Meanwhile, on the engagement of environmental sustainability, the National Climate Change Committee Chair Mr. Mofohli Phaqane provided an overview of the climate change situation in Lesotho highlighting the growing risks facing the Mountain Kingdom.
He noted that Lesotho’s high-altitude terrain, which has earned it the name ‘Kingdom in the Sky’ makes it particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate variability explaining that while the country contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, it experiences disproportionate impacts.
He pointed out that climate change in Lesotho is no longer a distant threat but a present-day reality as the country has experienced prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, severe soil erosion and recurring water shortages which remains as shifts which have significantly affected agricultural production and remains a key livelihood source for many Basotho.
Mr. Phaqane stressed that agriculture is one of the most affected sectors, as most farmers depend on rain-fed farming as unpredictable weather conditions have led to reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity in rural communities adding that the water sector has also been impacted with declining water levels in some areas and increased pressure on water resources.
He further indicated that climate-related challenges have implications for public health and infrastructure, particularly when extreme weather events damage roads and disrupt essential services.
He urged collective responsibility, noting that while global cooperation is critical, adding that Lesotho must also intensify local efforts to safeguard livelihoods and natural resources.
“The time to act is now. Climate change is here with us, and we must respond decisively to protect future generations,” he concluded.
The initiative is designed to support Basotho in adapting to the impacts of climate change, strengthening resilience and improving food security for vulnerable and food insecure populations across the country through an integrated approach that leverages the climate change, food security, gender and nutrition nexus.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
