Thota-Peli community in Ha Ntsang sub-catchment in Berea has significantly shifted focus from their traditional burial societies to prioritising environmental issues. This transformation stems from their engagement with ROLL, a project that has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of environmental rehabilitation. Through workshops and community meetings, ROLL has instilled the understanding that caring for the environment is essential for preserving natural resources and enhancing the overall quality of life within the community. This newfound commitment to environmental stewardship aims to foster sustainable practices that benefit both the local ecosystems and the livelihoods of community members.
Before the introduction of ROLL, the community was organised into three burial societies, focused on the decent and respectful send-off of its members. Upon its arrival, ROLL took the initiative to unite these various groups, effectively organising them into a cohesive regeneration coalition. Through targeted efforts, ROLL fostered a sense of unity among the groups, encouraging collaboration and mutual support. Additionally, ROLL inspired and motivated the coalition members, driving them towards their desired environmental objectives under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF) support and ensuring that each group's strengths were utilised to their fullest potential.
After interacting with ROLL, the community started debrushing the rangelands and fields that had been abandoned for many years. They began digging pits for fruit tree planting as a livelihood support intervention to be supported by ROLL. The two siblings, Mrs Matsietso and Malimpho Tlali, handed over their long-fallowed agricultural land to the community for orchard establishment. As a requirement under the land tenure system, the community councillor, Mr Maboka Mothupi, confirmed that the documents proving the agreement of the two parties are processed by the community council.
The community councillor, Mr. Maboka, expressed his enthusiasm about the positive changes in his area, highlighting his involvement in the process. This transformation was inspired by an exposure visit organised by ROLL to Leribe earlier this year (February). During the visit, he was particularly struck by the successful management of the wetlands at a site called Ha Khabo. He noted how the community there had implemented effective land management practices, leading to an impressive flow of water cascading down their mountains.
“This experience was truly eye-opening for me,” Mr. Mothupi remarked. “Seeing the vibrant wetlands and the way the water nourished both the land and the community motivated me to envision similar developments in my area. I realised that with dedication and the right resources, we could achieve comparable improvements and foster a sustainable future for our community.”
These impressive accomplishments were seen during the ongoing supervision mission from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The mission provided an opportunity to evaluate the progress made by the Thota-Peli community in their initiatives. Mr Apesi Ratsele, the Deputy Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, expressed his admiration for the community's outstanding efforts. He highlighted their dedication to sustainable natural resource management, which is crucial for the long-term health of their environment and economy. Mr Ratsele encouraged the community to continue their hard work and commitment, emphasising that reaching their goal will significantly enhance their livelihoods and promote resilience in the face of challenges.
