FAO boss ups calls to combat hunger in Lesotho

MOSA MAOENG

MASERU — In a powerful call to action, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), QU Dongyu, urged leaders and stakeholders to take immediate and decisive steps to address the rising levels of hunger across Africa, particularly in Lesotho.

Speaking at the High-Level Roundtable on Agrifood Systems Transformation in Maseru on Tuesday, Qu emphasised the critical need for collaboration and innovation to build sustainable and resilient food systems in the region.

The roundtable, titled “Deepening Collaboration to Accelerate the Attainment of Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Food Systems in Lesotho to Mitigate Future Shocks,” brought together influential figures, including King Letsie III, representatives from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the UN Resident Coordinator Office, and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The event highlighted the urgency of the situation, with hunger levels on the rise and the effects of climate change threatening food security.

Qu’s address was a clarion call for action. “We must move beyond words and take swift, coordinated action,” he said. “The first step is to strengthen our foundations, then innovate, and finally, act with speed.” He outlined the three critical components of food security—availability, access, and affordability—stressing that each presents unique challenges that must be addressed globally and locally.

Qu also delved into the importance of food quality, categorising it into three levels: staple foods that meet basic dietary needs, nutritional foods that combat malnutrition, and healthy foods that promote a balanced lifestyle.

“Each of these categories plays a crucial role in ensuring that food security is not just about having enough to eat, but about having the right kinds of food to sustain life and health,” he said.

In a nod to Lesotho’s ongoing efforts, Qu commended King Letsie III for designating August as “Food Month,” a move that underscores the country’s commitment to food security.

He also encouraged local authorities to leverage Lesotho’s unique climate and geography, particularly its ample water resources, hills, and valleys, to enhance agricultural production through aquaculture, drought-resistant crops, and improved livestock breeds.

“Lesotho has the potential to be a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity,” Qu remarked. “With the right strategies and investments, the country can transform its agrifood systems and set an example for others.”

His comments came on the heels of the FAO’s 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, which painted a grim picture of global hunger.

The report revealed that over 730 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2023, with Africa being the hardest hit region. If current trends continue, the report warns that 582 million people could be chronically undernourished by 2030, half of them in Africa.

The situation in Lesotho is particularly dire. According to the UN Resident Coordinator in Lesotho, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, nearly 700,000 people in the country are expected to face food insecurity this year and into early next year—a staggering 20 percent increase from the previous year.

She attributed this crisis to the devastating effects of the El Niño-induced drought, compounded by poverty, climate change, and other socio-economic challenges. “Addressing hunger is not just about feeding people; it is about ensuring stability and inclusion,” Mukwashi stated.

“We must ensure that our efforts reach everyone, including people with disabilities and those in remote areas. This dialogue is a crucial step in exploring strategies to harness our agricultural potential and secure a future where every Mosotho can thrive.”

The Minister of Agriculture, Thabo Mofosi, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the untapped potential of agriculture in driving the country’s economy. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, yet its full potential remains unrealised,” he said.

“By transitioning from subsistence farming to a more commercial approach, we can not only reduce poverty and food insecurity but also fuel economic growth.” As the roundtable concluded, the call for immediate, collective action resonated strongly among attendees.