By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – In a move that signals hope and relief for the hundreds of thousands of people affected by food insecurity in Lesotho, the World Food Programme (WFP) Lesotho and the Government of Japan sign an agreement to extend food assistance to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
The aid package, which will provide critical support to vulnerable communities across the country, is a welcome development in the ongoing fight against hunger and malnutrition in this landlocked nation.
Ms. Thuto Ntšekhe on behalf of the Minister of Education and Training Professor Ntoi Rapapa, expresses gratitude as the ministry accepts WFP and Japanese support to school feeding in Lesotho.
“We are witnessing the signing of exchange notes, with Japan contributing $1,277 million (24 million) to support our schooling feeding program. This will provide meals for 50 000 children over 180 school days, focusing on 2400 Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) centres.”
The funds will purchase 100 metric tons of canned fish, 126.085 metric tons of rice, and 220.894 of maize meal, complementing the split peas and super cereal provided by the WFP. This support is crucial given recent challenges like adverse weather and the impacts of COVID-19.
The ministry pleads with and encourages preschool proprietors to register their institutes for better planning and support to ensure a smooth transition to primary schools. It is evidence that sufficient nutrition enhances cognitive development and improves school attendance. Article 4 of the Rights of the Child ensures that children develop to their fullest potential.
The Country Director of WFP Lesotho, Ms. Aurore Rusiga remarks the urgent need for food assistance in Lesotho and acknowledges that the Japanese aid will alleviate hunger and improve food security.
She thanks the Government of Japan for timely support, stating that the assistance comes at a critical time when many people in Lesotho are food insecure and in desperate need of help. The Japanese aid will make a significant difference in the lives of those who are suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
These assessment findings are striking and paint a dire picture of the level of food insecurity in Lesotho. The number of people in need of assistance is staggering, and it is clear that the issue is prevalent in both rural and urban areas.
The Food Insecurity Phase Classification (IPC3) predicts that all districts in Lesotho will experience crisis levels of food insecurity or worse from October 2024 to March 2025. This projection indicates that the situation is likely to worsen unless immediate and decisive actions are taken to address the root causes of hunger and ensure access to nutritious food.
According to recent findings, approximately 700,000 people in Lesotho are currently food insecure, with over 400,000 in rural areas and over 290,000 in urban areas. These numbers underscore the severity of the food crisis in Lesotho and the critical importance of interventions such as the Japanese aid to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition.
This anticipates escalation of food insecurity to crisis or worse in all districts of Lesotho highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action.
The Government of Lesotho’s declaration of a national food insecurity disaster underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated response to address the crisis.
In light of the severe food insecurity crisis, the Government of Lesotho has officially declared a national food insecurity disaster from 11 July 2024 to 31 March 2025. This emergency declaration recognizes the urgent need for immediate action to mitigate the effects of the crisis, which has impacted people across the country, especially in vulnerable communities.
Food insecurity and malnutrition represent a significant safety net concern in Lesotho, with potentially devastating consequences for health, social, and economic development. By addressing the root causes of hunger and improving access to nutritious food, we can create a more resilient and sustainable society where no one goes hungry and everyone has the opportunity to attain good nutrition.
Providing primary education and nutritious food for all children in Lesotho is a critical step towards addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the country. This initiative has the potential to not only improve the health and well-being of children but also to break the cycle of poverty and promote long-term economic and social stability.
Investing in primary education and daily nutritious meals for all children in Lesotho is a key strategy for tackling food insecurity and malnutrition.
Mr. USHIO Shigeru, Ambassador of the Embassy of Lesotho is pleased that the Government of Japan has since committed 200 million Japanese yen towards the purpose of providing essential food items.
“This food and nutrition assistance will go towards some 50,000 school learners over the next year and half. Japan has continuously provided food aid to Lesotho in cooperation with WFP since 2014. This aid is aimed at improving food security and aiding the economic and social development of the country,” he mentions, as Japan commits in contributing to Lesotho’s priority areas like education, climate change, and grant aid.
Government of Japan hopes to partner with WFP, which illustrates Japan’s commitment towards eradicating the hunger and malnutrition. It is dedicated to fostering economic development in Africa, a commitment by Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
As Lesotho faces a dire situation of food insecurity and malnutrition, the support provided by the World Food Programme Lesotho and the Government of Japan is a crucial step towards addressing this crisis and improving the lives of those most in need. With continued efforts and collaboration between governments, international organizations, and communities, ensures that everyone in Lesotho has access to the food and resources necessary for a healthy and prosperous future.