Ntsoaki Motaung
In Lesotho, especially in rural areas, nutrition clubs are often seen as initiatives mainly for women.
However, in the community of Matelile in Mafeteng, Lehlohonolo Mohato is changing that perception.
As the second man in the Tsohang Mahlaku Nutrition Club, a group of nine members primarily made up of women, Mohato brings his passion for agricultural crop production to the club.
Initially, Mohato focused on producing vegetables for his family. Over time, he saw the potential to serve the wider community.
“But because of poverty, I noticed that some of our community members could not afford even a small portion of vegetables. I joined the club because I learned that they aim to promote good nutrition, especially for children and breastfeeding mothers,” he said.
The club, formed in partnership with Village Health Workers (VHW), addresses rising malnutrition in the area.
“We grow and process nutritious vegetables to ensure they are available for longer periods. We also provide healthy meals to children under five and their mothers at least once a month, which has already had a positive impact in reducing malnutrition,” Mohato explained.
In addition to providing meals, the club imparts agricultural skills to the community, encouraging each family to maintain a vegetable plot and raise chickens for protein production. Mohato envisions a country free from malnutrition, where children grow up healthy and can reach their full potential.
Club Chairperson ‘Mamonaheng Nkhabu shared that their goal is to support mothers in raising healthy children, especially those facing nutritional challenges.
“Our mission is to support such children and their parents by providing healthy meals and equipping families with skills for sustainable, healthy living,” Nkhabu said.
Last week, the SADP II project, in collaboration with World Vision Lesotho (WVL), launched the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) initiative.
According to WVL National Director, James Chifwelu, the project, funded by SADP II, seeks to include women and youth in agricultural and climate resilience efforts across Lesotho’s 10 districts.
“When we are here, we need to coordinate and share experiences for the benefit of Basotho,” Chifwelu emphasised.
WVL’s Tseliso Ncheke explained that the project aims to empower vulnerable groups in decision-making, foster women’s economic and social empowerment, and improve dietary diversity and household nutrition.
Acting SADP II Director ‘Mabafokeng Mangope added that the project’s benefits include access to market information, packaging and storage capacities, supply agreements with off-takers, and access to additional financing.
