Project Summary

Mosaqane, like most of the areas of Lesotho has a number of unique environmental challenges, with a highly fragile environment characterized by factors induced by both the natural and human activities. Degradation of land is at an extremely high level, mainly as a result of overgrazing of rangelands, poor agricultural practices, and poor management of wetlands. The project will target resource-poor and vulnerable households of Mosaqane within the Qacha?s Nek Urban Council, and directly benefit Re Kopane Balisana oa Mpona ka o Bona Herders Association. The Association has a membership of 40 members, 14 women (35%) and 26 men (65%). The Association has been given oversight and management responsibility of 7 rangelands and 8 wetlands in Mosaqane by Local Authorities.

Sustainable rangelands and wetlands resources management in Mosaqane project is one of the nine projects approved by the GEF-SGP National Steering Committee as having potential to yield global environmental benefits while at the same time it will result in improvement of the livelihoods of the Mosaqane community; and in the protection of rangelands and wetlands which are critical for wool and mohair production and are important for the protection of the water resources of Lesotho. While awaiting full funding, the Association has started rangeland and wetland protection activities such as rotational grazing and imposing fines to livestock infringing on protected rangelands. The Project will be implemented over a period of 24 months.

This proposal directly addresses the ?Community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species? focal area of the Lesotho SGP Country Strategy, and the National Strategic Development Plan 2018/19 ? 2022/23, Outcome 1.1 (Strategic Objectives 7 and 9 ? Build Capacity of Farmers, Agricultural Institutions and Associations; and Improve Management of Range Resources respectively). The project will address land degradation in two areas: rangeland rehabilitation and management; and wetland conservation and management, while also improving livelihoods through income generation activities such as beekeeping and vegetable production.

Project Objectives and Expected Results

Problem statement: Rangeland and wetland degradation is a serious problem in Lesotho, with negative implications for socio-economic development, particularly the poor. The consequences of land degradation are serious, ranging from reduced productivity, loss of income and livelihoods, destruction of important ecosystems, loss of biodiversity through changes to habitats, and increased vulnerability to natural hazards (e.g. droughts and storms). The Mosaqane area is faced with similar challenges. The problem of rangeland and wetland degradation is exacerbated by overgrazing, and no rotational grazing systems. The proposed Sustainable rangelands and wetlands resources management project will enable vulnerable households in Mosaqane to develop their capacity to reverse land degradation in their community. This project is in line with the GEF focal area of ?community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species?.

The Sustainable Rangelands and Wetlands Resources Management in Mosaqane Project is one of the nine projects approved by the GEF-SGP National Steering Committee as having potential to yield global environmental benefits while at the same time it will result in improvement of the livelihoods of the Mosaqane community; and in the protection of rangelands and wetlands which are critical for wool and mohair production and are important for the protection of the water resources of Lesotho.

Primary objective: To improve land resource management practices of Mosaqane community leading to sustained livelihoods of Re Kopane Balisana oa Mpona ka o Bona Herders Association member households and community members by 2023.

Specific objectives: 1 - To equip Re Kopane Balisana oa Mpona ka o Bona Herders Association members with knowledge and skills in sustainable land resource management, national policy frameworks and laws.
2 - To equip Re Kopane Balisana oa Mpona ka o Bona Herders Association members with knowledge and skills of sustainable wetland resources, national policy frameworks and laws.

Rationale: Baseline survey taken during the design of the project identified land degradation as one of the key challenges in Mosaqane. This challenge was further raised during consensus workshop/ meeting with stakeholder in the design of this project. The project meets the needs of the community to combat the threat of land degradation, food security and livelihoods.

This project is in line with the Community-based conservation of threatened ecosystems and species GEF focal area and addresses rangeland and wetland rehabilitation which will in turn improve wool and mohair production in the area resulting in improved community livelihoods. The Mosaqane community rely on livestock for their livelihood as there is little or no alternative employment opportunities. However, they lack the knowledge and experience to rehabilitate and manage their rangelands and wetlands. If the situation is left unattended, livestock productivity will continue to decline in the community.

The project also aligns with the national strategies: the National Strategic Development Plan 2018/19 ? 2022/23 (Outcome 1.1, Strategic Objectives 7 and 9 ? Build Capacity of Farmers, Agricultural Institutions and Associations; and Improve Management of Range Resources respectively); the National Environment Policy 1998; and National Environment Act 2008. Other relevant international conventions include, the United Nations conventions on environmental care and poverty reduction (The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCCD, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity UNCBD and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands).