Mathatisi Sebusi
SENTEBALE has pledged to expand its support for rural communities in Lesotho over the next two years through increased investment in climate-resilient solutions aimed at protecting livelihoods and preserving the environment for future generations.
The commitment is detailed in the charity’s latest report, covering the period from 1 September 2023 to 31 December 2024.
According to the periodic report, reliance on land for both food and income remains a lifeline for many Basotho. However, worsening droughts and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are severely threatening livelihoods and altering the country’s natural environment.
Sentebale serves as a key implementation partner in the Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods (ROLL) programme, working alongside the Government of Lesotho and South Africa-based AvoVision.
Since its launch in 2024, ROLL has reached more than 500 rural villages, training individuals to develop enterprise plans that boost incomes while restoring the land through initiatives such as school gardens, riverbank restoration, and tiered farming methods.
Reflecting on the past year, Sentebale’s Lesotho Country Director, Ntoli Moletsane, said she had witnessed both hardship and resilience across the country.
“I have seen firsthand the challenges our communities are facing — from worsening climate conditions and economic strain to persistent food insecurity and health disparities. Yet, I have also witnessed incredible moments of courage and collective will,” Ms Moletsane said.
She said the ongoing economic downturn has further strained families. Reduced revenues from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and global inflation driving up food and fuel prices have made it increasingly difficult for households to meet their basic needs.
She also said food insecurity is worsening, especially in rural areas.
“According to the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment, more than 300,000 people could face acute food shortages in the near future. Given Lesotho’s population of 2.36 million — 1.2 million of whom are under 25 — this figure is highly significant,” she said.
Ms Moletsane said these conditions have had far-reaching effects on children’s health, education, and sense of hope.
She also highlighted the country’s ongoing health challenges, particularly the high HIV prevalence rate.
“While we have made good progress, especially in improving antiretroviral coverage for children and adolescents, there is more work to do to reach universal coverage. Gender inequality continues to shape who gets infected, who accesses services, and who thrives. Many adolescent girls still face risks tied to gender-based violence and early pregnancy, which impact their overall wellbeing and future opportunities.”
Ms Moletsane further expressed concern about youth unemployment, noting that nearly 40 percent of young people in Lesotho are not in school, not working, and not enrolled in any form of training.
“But we believe in the potential of Lesotho’s youth. We see their resilience and determination regularly. With the right support, skills training, mentorship, and psychosocial care, we can unlock that potential and create real, sustainable opportunities.”
She emphasised that rural communities, where most children and young people live, have been hit hardest by erratic weather and deteriorating landscapes.
Unpredictable rainfall and recurring droughts continue to devastate crops, increasing uncertainty with every farming season.
Despite government investments in agriculture and efforts to promote climate-smart farming, traditional methods remain prevalent while the country’s natural water sources are under growing pressure.
She reaffirmed Sentebale’s integrated approach to supporting children and young people.
“Whether through our signature clubs and camps for young people living with HIV, the vocational training and internship programme for young women, community-based HIV prevention initiatives, or our participation in the Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods programme — we are providing services that respond to the lived realities of children and youth,” she said.