By: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU
In a concerted effort to address pressing legislative and strategic challenges, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) recently convened a joint session involving the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources; the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disabilities; and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
This transpired last week in Midrand, South Africa where the PAP sits.
The agenda spotlighted the development of a Model Law on Climate Change and a presentation by the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035).
As a member of the PAP, Lesotho’s participation is critical to commitment to continental initiatives aimed at combating climate change and enhancing agricultural resilience. This becomes even pertinent given Lesotho’s unique environmental challenges and its reliance on agriculture as a cornerstone of its economy.
The joint committee session underscored the urgency of formulating robust legislation to mitigate the impacts of climate change, empower local communities, and bolster environmental resilience.
The African parliamentarians impressed on the necessity of a legal framework that enables African nations to access carbon credits, ensure equitable trade policies, and secure financing for climate adaptation. Such a framework will see the harmonising, modernising, and standardising climate-related legislation across the continent.
While model laws provide a standardised legislative template, they are designed to be adaptable, allowing national governments to modify them to address specific local needs and contexts.
AUDA-NEPAD’s presentation, titled “Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa,” outlined strategic plans to strengthen food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and foster resilience against economic and environmental vulnerabilities.
The Committee members engaged in discussions on actionable strategies to implement these goals, aiming to propel Africa’s agricultural sector toward sustainability. The CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) serves as a blueprint for these efforts, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, technological innovation, and capacity building.
The discussions highlighted the critical need for resilient agri-food systems in Africa, especially in the context of shifting global geopolitics and declining external aid.
Meanwhile the experts stressed the importance of industrialisation and technological advancement as pathways to achieving economic self-reliance. The urgency of these measures is underscored by the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events across the continent.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres posted on X this week that “Humanity’s relationship with nature is at a tipping point. It’s time to choose a smarter path. Investing in healthy ecosystems is vital to providing clean air and water, regulating our climate, and supporting livelihoods.”
Africa is reportedly facing over US$100 trillion in unpaid climate reparations, the African Union’s 2024 theme prioritises climate justice and reparations, also reinforcing the continent’s demand for equitable global policies. This call to action seeks to address historical injustices and ensure that African nations receive the necessary support to combat the adverse effects of climate change.
The focus on climate justice aligns with global efforts to hold major polluters accountable and secure financial commitments for adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Lesotho faces its own set of climate-related challenges. The country has experienced an increase in seasonal temperatures, leading to the drying up of springs in some cases and water bodies.
These changes have adversely affected subsistence farming, resulting in reduced maize yields and impacting livestock farming due to limited water availability.
The Afrobarometer findings reveal that about three-quarters of Basotho report that floods have become more severe over the past decade, while nearly half say the same about droughts. Despite these challenges, fewer than four in ten Basotho (36%) are aware of the concept of climate change. Among those who are aware, almost nine in ten (88%) believe that climate change is making life in Lesotho worse.
The effects of climate change in Lesotho are evident in various aspects of the environment. Perennial springs, which have been an important water source for communities, are running dry.
Rivers and other water bodies are diminishing, posing a threat to both human water supply and the ecosystem. The recurring droughts have led to a decline in subsistence farming, affecting the livelihoods of many individuals who rely on agriculture for sustenance.
To address these challenges, Lesotho has developed a National Climate Change Policy that outlines strategies for adaptation and mitigation. These strategies include promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, investing in water conservation techniques, and enhancing public awareness about climate change.
The policy also emphasises the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies to build resilience among local communities.
The international community’s support is crucial in assisting African nations like Lesotho to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, during his visit to Lesotho in December 2024, urged developed countries to deliver the promised $300 billion annually for climate finance. He pointed out that landlocked and least developed countries, such as Lesotho, are especially vulnerable and require substantial support to combat climate change effectively.
Enhancing public awareness about climate change is essential. Educational programmes and community engagement initiatives can empower citizens to participate actively in adaptation and mitigation efforts. Through integrating local knowledge with scientific research, Lesotho can develop tailored solutions that address its unique climate challenges.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a blueprint for an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world, yet with only five years left until 2030, their full realisation remains uncertain. While progress has been registered in areas such as No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5), deep-rooted structural inequalities, climate change, and geopolitical conflicts threaten to derail advancements.
The overarching message of “leaving no one behind” is sometimes seen as a challenge to uphold as economic disparities widen, particularly in developing nations. The challenges in financing and political commitment hinder progress on Climate Action (SDG 13), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), and Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7).
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed vulnerabilities, undermining the gains in Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8).
Without urgent, coordinated global efforts, the SDGs risk becoming another set of unmet aspirations rather than transformative targets. The PAP’s joint committee session represents a step toward unified legislative action on climate change and agricultural resilience.