A ‘Must Do’ for the government
Theko Tlebere
It has been exactly fourteen days (14) since Lesotho’s Prime Minister declared a “National Food Insecurity Disaster,” effective from 12th July 2024 to 31st March 2025. This declaration has made it clear that Lesotho’s path to sustainable development is plagued with many challenges. While the government and opposition debate the best approach to uplift this nation, a critical question arises: Should Lesotho prioritise food security or infrastructure development? While both are essential, a compelling case can be made for prioritising food security as the foundational step toward holistic development.
First, let us understand what the declaration made by the Prime Minister means for us as Basotho. This declaration is a formal recognition of the severe food crisis resulting from the El Niño-induced droughts and is a call for comprehensive support and intervention to alleviate the situation and support those in need. Essentially, the Disaster Declaration means that the current government is acknowledging legally, through the declaration of a national food insecurity disaster, that the situation exceeds normal emergency responses. This formal declaration allows for the mobilisation of resources and support.
Second, it is important to acknowledge that the legal framework used by the government is appropriate. The declaration is made in accordance with Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act No.2 of 1997, which provides the legal basis for disaster response and management in Lesotho. Therefore, with a projection that approximately 700,000 Basotho will require assistance to meet their basic food needs, it means that Lesotho will face severe food shortages and the government ought to take action. It is this legal framework that makes the government legally liable to avert severe hunger or food shortages for a significantly large portion of the population due to the drought.
Having laid that foundation, let us look at the primacy of food security. Food security is the cornerstone of any society’s stability and growth. In Lesotho, where agriculture employs most of the population, ensuring food security addresses both immediate needs and long-term economic resilience. At this point, I will discuss four reasons why the government of Lesotho should prioritise food security: The first reason is that food security has an immediate impact on the well-being and health of the citizens of Lesotho. With more than a third of Lesotho’s population living below the poverty line, prioritising food security is not an option for the government. Prioritising food security directly improves health outcomes, reducing malnutrition and associated health issues. Well-nourished individuals are more productive, can attend school or work regularly, and contribute more effectively to their communities.
The second reason is that food security is the foundation for economic stability. Agriculture is not only a source of food but also a significant economic activity. Enhancing food security through improved agricultural practices, access to credit, and better market access can increase agricultural productivity, providing a stable income for farmers. This, in turn, stimulates the rural economy, creating a multiplier effect that benefits various sectors.
The third reason for prioritising food security is that Lesotho will be resilient to external shocks. Lesotho’s heavy reliance on food imports makes it vulnerable to global market fluctuations. By boosting domestic food production, the country can reduce its dependence on imports, enhancing its resilience to external shocks such as price hikes or supply chain disruptions.
The fourth and final reason is the issue of social cohesion and stability. Food insecurity can lead to social unrest and instability. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, recent incidents of suicide due to the lack of maize meal highlight the seriousness of food unrest. By ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate and nutritious food, the government can foster social cohesion and prevent conflicts that arise from resource scarcity.
Now that we have explained why food security needs to be prioritised, let us look at the possible strategic actions that the government can employ to achieve food security. While we are still waiting for the government, through the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), to come up with a clear plan for the next six months, a multifaceted approach is needed in Lesotho to effectively prioritise food security.
Firstly, the government needs to rapidly increase its investment in agriculture. Modernising agriculture through investments in technology, irrigation, and high-yield crops is crucial. Supporting smallholder farmers with training, access to credit, and improved seed varieties can significantly boost productivity. Another crucial aspect that Lesotho needs to focus on is nutrition programs. The impact of food insecurity on schoolchildren cannot be underestimated. Therefore, it is vital to revitalise school feeding programs and community nutrition initiatives that can combat immediate hunger and improve long-term health outcomes. These programs also have the added benefit of promoting school attendance, thereby contributing to better educational outcomes.
Lastly, the government should prioritise infrastructure development for the food systems. While the main focus is on food security, it is important to concurrently develop basic infrastructure that supports agricultural activities. This includes constructing roads for market access and storage facilities to minimise post-harvest losses. The fact that a significant portion of Basotho feels that government-funded road repairs are insignificant because “roads do not provide food” highlights the importance of infrastructure in achieving food security. While food security should be given priority, infrastructure development cannot be neglected. However, the initial emphasis should be on infrastructure that provides direct support for food security, such as transportation networks, improved roads, water management systems, and energy access.
Lesotho’s development strategy must be comprehensive and implemented in phases. In the short term, prioritising food security will create a stable foundation for broader infrastructure development. As food security improves, the focus can gradually shift to more extensive infrastructure projects that facilitate industrialisation, urbanisation, and overall economic diversification. Furthermore, these efforts should be grounded in robust governance, inclusive policies, and community engagement. The government, in collaboration with international organisations, private sector stakeholders, and local communities, must work together to ensure that development initiatives are sustainable and equitable.
In conclusion, while both food security and infrastructure are crucial for Lesotho’s development, prioritising food security provides a strong basis for sustainable growth. By ensuring that the population is well-nourished and the agricultural sector is robust, Lesotho can establish a resilient economy capable of supporting comprehensive infrastructure development. This phased approach not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for long-term prosperity and stability. The Future is Now!
