Adaptation to Climate Change: Status, Household Strategies and Challenges in Lesotho

Abstract

Rural livelihoods across Lesotho have been markedly impacted by climate change, as they are largely agriculture dependent (80%). Adaptation to the events of climate variability especially in agriculturally dependent communities is of importance. In drier districts given the fact that agriculture is the most affected sector, the (Lesotho) state adopted several strategies and measures for climate change adaptation to improve rural livelihoods. To get an overview of adaptation, the study reviewed the National Adaptation Programme Actions (NAPA), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) as the instruments specific to adaptation to climate change. A case study of Mafeteng district, an area subjected to persistent drought events was selected to examine adaptation strategies employed. Two prominent strategies highlighted in the study are conservation agriculture and keyhole gardening. Furthermore, a top down approach is found to exist in terms of adaptation planning, not only that but adaptation action is more focused on capacity building of technocrats whilst households are struggling to adapt at grassroots level. Secondly, research is limited to national assessments leading to nonspecific interventions and last adaptation projects are largely donor funded lacking sustainability in turn. This therefore warrants integrated planning and an interdependent stakeholder approach is proposed as a way forward.