Food crisis is a comprehensive emergency: World Vision

LINEO MABEKEBEKE

MASERU – Lesotho is grappling with an unprecedented food crisis that threatens the very fabric of its society. In response, World Vision Lesotho has launched a multifaceted and urgent intervention aimed not only at addressing immediate needs but also at building long-term resilience among the affected communities.

This initiative underscores the complexity of the crisis, recognising it as more than just a food shortage but as a comprehensive emergency requiring a holistic approach. At the forefront of World Vision Lesotho’s response is the rapid deployment of emergency food aid.

Teams are working tirelessly to reach the most vulnerable communities, providing life-saving nutrition to those on the brink of starvation. The organisation’s swift action is crucial as it aims to stave off the worst effects of this crisis.

“Alongside this, we are implementing critical water and sanitation interventions. Clean water is not just a necessity for drinking but crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases that could further devastate weakened communities,” the organisation says.

This dual approach ensures that immediate health needs are met while also preventing the outbreak of potentially deadly diseases.

Recognising that short-term aid alone will not suffice, World Vision Lesotho is simultaneously rolling out sustainable agriculture initiatives through their environmental sustainability and climate action programmes.

This includes the introduction of drought-resistant crops and innovative irrigation systems designed to withstand the harsh realities of a changing climate.

“We are not just helping farmers plant crops; we are helping them reimagine agriculture for a more resilient future,” Word Vision says.

These agricultural efforts extend beyond mere planting; they encompass comprehensive support for farmers to adapt to new techniques and technologies that promise a sustainable yield even under adverse conditions.

The initiatives aim to ensure food security for the long term, reducing dependency on emergency aid in the future. In addition to agricultural support, World Vision Lesotho is enhancing local healthcare facilities to handle the surge in malnutrition cases and drought-related illnesses.

This includes providing essential medicines and training healthcare workers in remote areas, ensuring that even the most isolated communities receive adequate care.

Central to their strategy is the empowerment of communities through disaster risk reduction. World Vision Lesotho is establishing early warning systems for climate-related hazards using drone technology and collaborating closely with the disaster management authority through the European Union-funded consolidation and strengthening of disaster risk reduction projects.

These systems will provide communities with vital information, allowing them to take proactive measures before disaster strikes. Furthermore, extensive training in disaster preparedness and response is being conducted, ensuring that communities are not just recipients of aid but active participants in their own resilience.

This approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among the affected populations, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to face future challenges.

Education forms another crucial pillar of their response. World Vision Lesotho is launching community education programmes on climate change, helping people understand the underlying causes of their current plight and empowering them to take steps to mitigate future risks.

These educational initiatives are vital in fostering a community-wide understanding of resilience and sustainability. The scale of the crisis is starkly illustrated by the projections that, due to El Niño-induced droughts, about 700,000 Basotho will need support to access food.

Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane declared a national food insecurity disaster effective from July 12, 2024, to March 31, 2025, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Disaster Management Act No. 2 of 1997.

This declaration appeals for national, regional, and international humanitarian intervention. According to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Lesotho annual report for 2023, published on April 2, 2024, Lesotho remains one of the most unequal countries globally.

Nearly half of the population, or 49.7 percent, lives below the food poverty line, with a stark rural-urban divide where over 80 percent of the poor reside in rural areas.

Of particular concern are children, with 65 percent classified as multi-dimensionally poor and over a quarter being orphans. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) acute food insecurity analysis further illustrates the gravity of the situation.

Lesotho is now facing the adverse effects of climate change, which have led to an increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts, soil erosion, and reduced soil fertility. These factors significantly impact livelihoods, incomes, food security, and the country’s agriculture-based economy.

Food insecurity persists as a significant challenge, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as children, women, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, persons with disabilities, unemployed youth, and rural dwellers.

The consequences of this drought reach far beyond empty fields; children are dropping out of school, their futures hanging in the balance as malnutrition rates soar. Water resources are running dry, leaving communities without the most basic necessity for survival.

In a heart-wrenching account, the story of Thato (not her real name), a young mother from the rural district of Quthing, exemplifies the human toll of this crisis. Thato’s three children, all under the age of 10, have been surviving on one meal a day for weeks.

“There are days when I have to choose which child eats,” Thato confides, her voice trembling with anguish. “I pray for rain every day, but it feels like my prayers go unanswered.”

The multifaceted approach by World Vision Lesotho aims to prevent such tragic choices. Their comprehensive strategy, blending immediate relief with long-term resilience-building, offers a beacon of hope amidst the despair.

However, the road ahead is long, and sustained support from both national and international communities is essential to ensure that Lesotho emerges from this crisis stronger and more resilient.