Following the state of emergency that was announced by Lesotho’s Prime Minister as a result of severe heatwaves, the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) implemented the Emergency Appeal project in five Southern districts (Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Nek with the aim of assisting 2500 households whose livelihoods are severely affected by drought.
The project provided the beneficiaries with unrestricted cash transfers of M1500 for 3 months per household, homestead gardening seeds (Rape, beetroot, carrots and spinach), field crops seeds (beans and maize), fruit trees (apple and peaches) among others.
Following the distributions, LRCS with the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) conducted a monitoring visit from the 28th to 30th January 2025 at Maseru, Mafeteng and Quthing with the purpose of tracking and provision of technical support and recommendations going forward.
It was revealed that the beneficiaries did not only use the funds for groceries, they also started some income generating activities such as small business so as to have sustainable income. “I planted the vegetables and I am able to feed my family and sell some to the community,” Mrs Molise. She further indicated that the source of capital was mainly from the second cash transfer received. As she concluded she also stated that she is now able to take her children to school and they no longer go on an empty stomach.
On behalf of the district project managers / Divisional Secretaries Ms. ‘Mabulara Motlomelo emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation “We are working hand in hand with other stakeholders in ensuring that the project is successful. We would have not been this far if we were not working together for the betterment of the communities we serve.”
The project manager Ms. Sebongile Hlubi said the main aim of the project was to respond to the state of emergency of food insecurity by improving household food insecurity caused by drought.
“I see ourselves as LRCS together with our partners trying to contribute to various aspects. Talking of food security, we have managed to capacitate beneficiaries with climate smart agricultural practices such as trench, keyhole gardening, banana plots among others, which is already benefiting beneficiaries”. Said Ms. Hlubi.
She further indicated that seeds were distributed to 2500 households although they were delayed. She concluded by indicating that the project is doing very well and hopes throughout the implementation, the implementers will be at a stage to say they really achieved the objective.