Lesotho: Crisis and development in the rural sector

Wellings, Paul

doi:10.1016/0016-7185(86)90025-4

Cited by 3 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…In this regard, one respondent affirmed: ‘Agricultural production could not sustain my family for over six months after harvest, and I use non-farm business incomes to meet the needs of the family’ (Morake 2010 int.). A full discussion of the reasons for the decline in agricultural productivity is not within the scope of this paper but overall, it is commonly related to the migration of many Basotho men to the South African mines (Wallman 1972; Ferguson 1985), drought and soil erosion (Wellings 1986) and the Structural Adjustment Programmes in the early 1990s, which meant that farmers could not access agricultural subsidies (Makenete et al 1998). At the same time, it should be acknowledged that a symbiotic relationship existed between migrant labourer remittances and agriculture in Lesotho (Wallman 1972).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho

Rantšo

2016

J. Mod. Afr. Stud.

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This paper assesses the role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho. Evidence from studies in developing countries indicates that agriculture was formerly used as the main source of livelihood for many people in poor countries. However, due to the decline in agricultural productivity (which results in poverty and food insecurity) caused by unfavourable agroclimatic conditions, many people are turning to non-farm activities as a means of making a living. Therefore, non-farm incomes are used to provide the means of sustenance for many people. However, little attention has hitherto been paid to improving the rural non-farm sector as an alternative or complementary rural development strategy in Lesotho. This research paper uses quantitative research methods to analyse the available data. The main research findings suggest that many people make a living out of non-farm incomes. As a result, this paper proposes that the rural non-farm sector should be given more priority by the government in rural development in Lesotho.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho

Rantšo

2016

J. Mod. Afr. Stud.

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“…First, soil erosion is cited as the major factor that results in low agricultural production. It is argued by Wellings (1986) and Mbata (2001) that the arable land is situated in the lowlands, but the soils are thin, infertile and prone to erosion. As a result, the contribution of agriculture to the Gross Domestic Product has been in decline for a number of years.…”

Section: Factors Affecting Agricultural Productivity/production In Rementioning

confidence: 99%

“…As argued by Wellings (1986) and Makoa (1999), the communal land tenure system is often associated with the mismanagement of land, especially through soil erosion and the destruction of vegetation. It is further indicated that the communal land tenure system in Lesotho discourages long-term investment in the land, especially for soil conservation (Mbata, 2001).…”

Section: Factors Affecting Agricultural Productivity/production In Rementioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is also observed that farmers in the traditional land tenure system are not granted loans by commercial banks because of the risks involved. As a result, there is poor access to credit, inputs, extension services and marketing structures to farmers (Wellings, 1986).…”

Section: Factors Affecting Agricultural Productivity/production In Rementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Therefore, population pressure has resulted in landlessness estimated at about 60% in the year 2000 compared to 22% in 1980 (Omole, 2003). In addition, the increasing fragmentation of landholdings and the rising level of landlessness are associated with high population pressure (Wellings, 1986).…”

Section: Factors Affecting Agricultural Productivity/production In Rementioning

confidence: 99%

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Rural development policies and programmes under colonialism and during the five year development plans in Lesotho

episo¹

2015

Afr. J. Agric. Res.

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Poverty is said to be very high in developing countries, and many people live below the poverty line. There are different causes of poverty, but the most common one is food insecurity. Therefore, the contribution of agriculture to ensuring food security in the poor countries cannot be ignored. Although many farmers in some developing countries practise subsistence farming, agriculture accounts for a large share to the means of livelihood in the rural areas of developing countries. This is because about 80% of people in developing countries live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for livelihood. Despite the large contribution of agriculture to rural development in developing countries, the sector (agriculture) is confronted with many different challenges. There is low agricultural productivity (especially in peasant farming) because of the use of traditional technologies, and other factors. And this results in food insecurity in many households. However, countries implement different programmes and policies to increase productivity in agriculture. It is in this respect, this paper looks at the different policies, methods and programmes implemented by the Lesotho government to increase agricultural productivity/production since the period of colonialism.

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Development Assistance in Lesotho: Is it a National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development?

Mots'oene¹,

Esenjor²

2017

Africanus

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This article argues that Lesotho’s increasing reliance on aid leads to economic decline, worsening living standards and eventually poverty, thus obstructing sustainable development. Studies done in the country are silent about the effect of aid on poverty reduction and sustainable development. The study fills this missing link in the literature. Aid as a resource must help a country to enable its citizens to live beyond consumption by creating other activities that will in the long-run, reduce vulnerability and poverty; thus promoting sustainable development, which is contrary to what has been prevailing in Lesotho. The worst scenario in Lesotho is the post-independence period, where almost all aid combined failed to bring the desired changes in the lives of the majority and instead, increased vulnerability and poverty, and resulted in unsustainable development.

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Lesotho: Crisis and development in the rural sector

Cited by 3 publications

References 36 publications

The role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho

The role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho

Rural development policies and programmes under colonialism and during the five year development plans in Lesotho

Development Assistance in Lesotho: Is it a National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development?

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