Mahlomola ‘Mofa was once a proud builder, plying his trade in the bustling streets of Ha Mohale on the outskirts of Maseru district. But, unbeknownst to him, fate had a cruel twist in store.
Three years ago, a devastating car accident left him with a permanent physical disability and partial loss of vision, bringing his construction days to an abrupt halt.
Now, the 64-years old resident of Likalaneng Ha Khoshane in Likolobeng community council struggles to cope with his new reality, relying on the kindness of others to survive.
With a household of 11 to support, including five children and four grandchildren, Mahlomola’s plight has become increasingly desperate. His wife, ‘Mapalesa has taken on the sole responsibility of supporting the entire household.
To make ends meet, ‘Mapalesa washes fellow villagers’ laundry in exchange for basic necessities, stretching each grocery supply to feed her large family. This meagre income is the sole lifeline sustaining the ‘Mofa household.
“I used to provide for my family,” Mahlomola sighs, the hint of pain and disappointment evident in his words. “Now, I am a burden, unable to provide for my children. I feel helpless, watching my wife toil to keep us all fed and clothed.”
He adds: “I can’t thank World Vision enough for the groceries they have provided. It is a lifeline for my family in these difficult times. These supplies will help us get through the coming months.”
Struggling to support her family, ‘Mapalesa described the difficult circumstances that have further complicated their already precarious situation.
The worsening economic conditions, she says, have cast a shadow over their future, leaving the family uncertain about how they will survive.
“Even my efforts to earn a living have been affected by the economic crisis in our country,” she said, referring to the decreased demand for laundry services due to financial constraints.
“Life has been a constant struggle for our family,” ‘Mapalesa, shared her voice tinged with weariness and sadness. “With my husband unable to work after the accident, I am now the sole breadwinner. Washing villagers’ laundry barely provides enough food for us to survive, let alone meet our other needs.”
‘Mapalesa says every day is a battle to keep her family fed and clothed. “Sometimes, I worry that we won’t make it through to the next month,” she revealed, as she considered the precariousness of their poverty and food crisis situation.
The gravity of Lesotho’s food crisis has come into sharp focus as prime minister Sam Matekane declared a national food insecurity disaster spanning eight months from July this year to March 2025.
Matekane’s grim announcement painted a devastating picture with an estimated 700 000 Basotho facing the threat of extreme hunger due to crippling effects of the severe El Nino-induced drought of 2024, which has ravaged the agricultural sector across Lesotho and the region.
“As a result of the El Nino drought, it is projected that about 700 000 Basotho will need support to have food. Therefore, I declare a national food insecurity disaster effective from 12th July 2024 to 31st March 2025.
“This is in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act No.2 of 1997. I appeal for national, regional and international humanitarian intervention,” Matekane said in his official statement in July this year.
He noted that the government had estimated that approximately M1.2 billion was required to address the crisis.
The premier added the government was committed to work tirelessly to address the challenge and ensure that people have access to food and other essentials.
“This crisis demands a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian organisations and international partners will be vital in providing relief and support to those affected.
“The declaration of a national food insecurity disaster is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together and work towards finding long-term, sustainable solutions to this pressing issue,” he said.
The main hazards anticipated during this period, include La Niña-induced destructive weather and price hikes, both of which are likely to adversely affect food access and utilisation for many families.
In the wake of the dire food insecurity situation, Makhera Kalele, the Livelihoods and Environmental Sustainability manager, World Vision Lesotho, issued a call to action.
Kalele urged affected families to take advantage of the predicted heavy rains in November to grow their own food.
“This is an opportunity for communities to become more self-sufficient and not be over-reliant on donations,” he stated, emphasising the importance of long-term planning on the face of climate change-induced challenges.
Cognisant of the volatile climate conditions in the country, Kalele emphasised the need for families to adopt a more sustainable approach to food security.
He encouraged them to purchase affordable, resilient seed vegetables such as spinach, mustard greens and pumpkin that are known to withstand tough weather conditions.
By planting these hardy plants in their yards, Kalele said, families could safeguard against future droughts and other climate-related challenges, creating a more stable and self-sufficient food supply.
Kalele went on to highlight the potential of peaches as a valuable resource, urging families not to overlook the peaches in their yards but practise drying them and selling them for as little as M10 when they are in season.
His practical advice did not stop with peaches; he also suggested a simple but effective solution to improving the families’ food security known as seed beds.
“Each family should have at least one seed bed in their yard,” he urged. “This type of ploughing is highly recommended because it allows you to plant directly from the seed bed, saving time and energy.”
Kalele’s focus on practical, hands-on solutions highlighted World Vision’s commitment to empowering communities to find their own long-term solutions to food insecurity.
According to the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee report published in this year titled: ‘Lesotho Acute Food Insecurity Analysis, the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) results projected acute food insecurity classified as IPC three, which will affect seven districts and approximately 19 percent of the rural population.
This according to the report amounts about 293,000 Basotho from poor and very poor households in rural areas. The IPC three classification indicated that this population requires urgent action to address food shortages, protect and restore livelihoods and prevent high rates of malnutrition.
Children, especially those under five are particularly at risk as food shortages can quickly lead to stunted growth and weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to illnesses, states the report.
In response to this, a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to overcome poverty and injustice, World Vision Lesotho, under the project distributed groceries packages to 47 households in Mohale, targeting families granted under severe food insecurity crisis.
The packages include maize meal, bread flour, milk, vegetables, beans cooking oil, fish and are designed not only to meet the immediate hunger needs of the households but also to provide nutrient rich food that is critical to preventing malnutrition in children.
Each package according to World Vision was carefully curated to provide necessary proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins that are essential for human development and health. The package also consists of hygiene items such as sanitary towels, soap, toothpaste, roll on and bathing towels for improved hygiene.
For three months, until December, the families will be receiving essential supplies that will sustain them through the trying period, under the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) funded project dubbed Consolidating and Strengthening Disaster Risk Management (CSDRR).
The project represents a vital step in the organisation’s commitment to prevent hunger and malnutrition while supporting long-term recovery and resilience against climate shocks.
