By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. Yet hunger and homelessness continue to threaten the well-being of millions globally, including right here in Lesotho. While governments and organizations have made slow but steady progress over the years, the challenges remain profound.
According to global statistics, 795 million people do not have enough to eat, and hunger-related diseases claim a child’s life every minute. Additionally, 65.3 million refugees worldwide have been displaced, forced to live in unstable conditions. Closer to home, Lesotho, a nation known for its rich culture and scenic landscapes, also faces these harsh realities. Extreme poverty, hunger, and homelessness are not just distant global issues; they are present and affect Basotho in both urban centers and rural villages.
Lesotho’s economy, largely reliant on agriculture, faces severe disruptions due to changing climate patterns. Droughts, heavy rainfall, and soil erosion often result in poor crop yields, leaving many families without enough food. The rural population, which relies heavily on subsistence farming, is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), one in three children in Lesotho is stunted due to chronic malnutrition, showing how deeply hunger impacts future generations.
Unemployment worsens the situation, making it difficult for households to access food consistently. Many young people, especially those without formal education or vocational skills, struggle to find jobs to help sustain themselves. The growing cost of living in urban areas like Maseru leaves many without sufficient income for rent and food, resulting in homelessness or informal housing in overcrowded settlements.
Although Lesotho has not experienced a refugee crisis on the same scale as other regions, homelessness remains a challenge. In urban centers, vulnerable groups such as children, people with disabilities, and the elderly often face homelessness. Some individuals migrate from rural areas to towns in search of better opportunities, only to find themselves struggling with a lack of affordable housing and support services.
Moreover, the recent economic downturn, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has pushed more people into poverty. Informal workers, many of whom depend on daily earnings, lost their livelihoods during the lockdowns. This situation increased the number of people living on the streets and in unsafe housing.
Hunger and homelessness are not problems without solutions. Lesotho, like many other nations, has the resources, knowledge, and potential to address these issues if we act collectively.
We need to invest in sustainable agricultural practices to ensure that farmers, especially smallholders, can adapt to climate challenges. Community gardens and school feeding programs can help ensure that no child goes to school hungry.
The government and private sector must collaborate to build affordable housing, especially in urban areas where homelessness is more visible. Policies that protect tenants from unfair evictions can also help ensure that more people have access to stable housing.
In an interview with a couple of youth representatives, Palesa Ntilane stated that the number associated with homeless people is growing rapidly due to lack of jobs, “a lot of people leave their villages to come earn a living in Maseru, and we all know that there is scarcity of jobs lately, and we have COVID – 19 to blame, so a lot of them are jobless and cannot afford to pay mere rent,” said Ntilane.
Stating that she believes lots of people are still going to remain homeless if they do not go back to their villages.
Mpho Molalle believes that these statistics are only increasing due to lack of jobs, she says that empowering young people with vocational training can provide them with the skills needed to earn a living. “Entrepreneurship programs, grants, and micro-financing options should be made available to small business owners, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds.”
“It is about time the government steps in and comes up with programs made for the less advantaged groups,” said Mpho.
Tumelo Ntšekhe says that it is not humanity that some of them get to sleep at home while other out there do not know where their next meal will come from, “I wish more youth groups could organize outreach programs to provide immediate relief, like food, clothing, and basic healthcare, to those on the streets. Partnering with NGOs could amplify these efforts, and social media campaigns could raise awareness and garner support.”
Thato, a student at Lesotho High School believes that advocacy for affordable housing could be a focal point, but also suggested that Lesotho should build shelters for homeless people. “Young activists could encourage the government and private sector to invest in low-cost housing projects and transitional shelters, providing a pathway from the streets to stability.”
Tšireletso, a learner at Sefika High School, says unemployment is a significant factor leading to homelessness. “I believe that us the youth voices could push for more job creation programs, internships, and skill-building workshops targeted at young adults and other vulnerable groups in Maseru. I also believe that vocational training initiatives in areas like construction, agriculture, and hospitality could empower homeless individuals with employable skills.”
She further made suggestion that mental health and addiction issues often contribute to homelessness, and the youth could advocate for free or low-cost mental health services.
“Establishing counselling centres or mobile mental health clinics could provide support and encourage people struggling with these issues to seek help, and reduce a number of homeless people.”
NGOs and community-based organizations are often the first line of support for homeless individuals and those facing food insecurity. As citizens, we must support these initiatives by volunteering, donating, or advocating for policies that promote social welfare.
Addressing hunger and homelessness requires political will. We must pressure leaders to prioritize these issues in national policies, ensuring that they align with global development goals like the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We have the resources and the knowledge to end hunger and homelessness in Lesotho, but it will take a collective effort from the government, private sector, civil society, and individuals. It is not enough to hope for change; we need to act.
Everyone has a role to play, whether through raising awareness, donating time or money, or simply advocating for more inclusive policies. The problem of hunger and homelessness should not be seen as someone else’s burden but, as a shared responsibility. After all, a society is only as strong as its most vulnerable members.
It is time for Lesotho to rise to the occasion and work towards a future where no one goes to bed hungry, and everyone has a place to call home. Together, we can make this vision a reality