Environmental policy and administrative management

Mokhotlong district is located in the mountainous region of the country. Thus soils are generally shallow and prone to erosion because of the rugged and hilly terrain. In addition to this, the district has a relatively shorter growing season. The challenge addressed by the proposed intervention is decreased agricultural production due to shrinking cropland and loss of soil fertility due to excessive run-off; and also due to recurrent drought spells. The primary objective of the project is therefore, to improve crop productivity through adoption of sound and sustainable land husbandry methods that also protect the land base. The farmers plan to make diversion furrows above the fields to reroute water; construct stone silt traps and gabions in dongas; and plant trees and grass for conserving environment. To solve the drought problem, the farmers under the supervision of Ministry of Forestry, Water Conservation and Land Reclamation will embark on rainwater harvesting by among other things constructing stone tanks and earth dams for conserving water for irrigation. Since the Association operates in 6 resources centers of the district, and the proposed intervention is a demonstration project, it will be piloted in three resources centres where intensive work will be done and on the basis of which the project will be extended to the rest of the resources centres. However, all members of the organization will still benefit from collective acquisition and distribution of seed and other inputs. The three resources centers are Libibing, Mapholaneng and Thabang. These selected sites are heavily affected by soil erosion caused by heavy rains. They will be rehabilitated and converted into enormous vegetables and fruits projects. A site of about 3.5 ha within each site will be protected from excess run-off and crop production will follow the organic farming approach. Key participants will be members of LIHOFA, farmers whose fields fall within the identified project sites, other community members, and entire Mokhotlong community including fruits and vegetable sellers. The proposed intervention is in line with the SGP objective of improving agricultural land and water management practices

Lesotho