Environmental policy and administrative management

The rapid increase in animal population within Mokhotlong district translates into heavily over stocked rangelands and subsequently overgrazing, depletion of other range growing flora and fauna, destruction of wetlands and sponges, high rates of erosion on the low lying fields and the resultant sedimentation in reservoirs like the upcoming Lesotho High lands Water Project Phase II which is to be constructed in Mokhotlong. Though more pronounced down slope where huge dongas form, the biggest threat in land degradation due to erosion is uphill where small rivulets begin on highly degraded areas that used to be rangelands rich in endemic plant and animal species. Down slope the impact becomes more obvious as once fertile and productive fields continue to shrink as they are continuously cut by the growing dongas. This creates a vicious cycle as the reduction in size and productivity pushes farmers to shift to fragile and mostly sloppy areas which were regarded as off limits for agricultural activities. The once fertile rangelands within village confines which were mostly spared for winter grazing, can no longer sustain increasing herd sizes, thus putting more pressure on those at the cattle posts. Unfortunately these areas if subjected to heavy and prolonged grazing with no rest rapidly deteriorate leading to depletion of some very important plant and as a result animal species. The lack of waged employment opportunities and alternative livelihoods strategies means that the poor can only rely on the natural resources which are used in unsustainable ways, contributing to the impoverishment of future generations. The project goal is to build the capacity of community structures to redress land degradation and loss of biodiversity in Mokhotlong that continue to impact on household food security; by scaling up the activities of the first project SCARED, which aimed to curb land degradation and reclaim 50,000m2 of highly eroded areas in the Senqu and khubelu river catchments. Implementation Strategy: - All GROW s activities are designed such that they built the capacity of individuals and groups to be more active in matters relating to community and society development. To address the gender imbalances in the Basotho society, women and girl children will be given priority on activities addressing life skills, family and community values and responsible leadership skills. - The project will be inclusive and will emphasize environmentally friendly technologies that utilize low cost and locally available inputs. - Focus will be on solving problems identified by the target population by utilizing knowledge and conserving local resources. GROW field staff based in the village will enable regular contact and dialogue with project beneficiaries and direct observation of trends in the community.

Lesotho