The regeneration of landscapes is broadly recognised as a key responsibility of the government in many communities throughout Lesotho. However, the situation is notably different for the residents of Futhong, Ha Nthoba, located in the district of Berea. During the supervision mission to ROLL by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on April 29, 2024, the team had the opportunity to hear an inspiring story from the community. This narrative beautifully illustrated the impressive results achieved and highlighted the journey that led to these successes.
At the beginning of 2023, their headman was invited to participate in a ROLL sensitisation workshop, designed to inform local leaders about an environmental regeneration project in their region. During this workshop, the headman learned about the project's goals, methodologies, and the crucial role that community involvement plays in successful landscape regeneration. Motivated by the information shared, he decided to actively engage his community in the initiative. Following the workshop, he organised meetings with local residents to discuss the importance of regenerating their landscapes, fostering a sense of communal responsibility. Subsequently, ROLL was invited to conduct a public assembly during which it engaged in face-to-face discussions with the villagers. The project encouraged the formation of interest groups or the participation in existing ones. This proactive approach marked a significant shift in how the community views the regeneration of their landscapes, emphasising local involvement and collective action.
The village headman, Mr Matobo Maseli stated that “the regeneration work began in a less degraded area to assess community commitment, engaging a small group of ten men from a single interest group to which he also belonged (Beekeepers). This initial effort proved effective, as it laid the groundwork for our current success, which now includes 163 volunteers from 12 diverse interest groups.” A total of 30 hectares of rangeland has been successfully regenerated through the construction of stone lines and the removal of brush. They've now made the bold choice to relocate to a landscape marked by deep dongas and significant degradation, ready to embrace the challenges and potential that come with it.
The communities are supported throughout this journey by the technical staff of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, who conduct weekly monitoring alongside representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition. Acknowledging the community’s strong commitment, the ROLL and extension officers chose to further motivate them by providing essential tools for landscape work, along with 120 fruit trees and cash based on the number of days each one has committed on the regeneration works. These incentives have significantly boosted their enthusiasm and engagement in the project.
Mr Abinare Molupe, the local community councillor for the nearby village, expressed his gratitude for the ROLL initiative and its positive impact on the community as villages under his leadership have also embarked on the landscape regeneration works, following the good example set by Futhong. He emphasised the importance of sustaining the project initiatives even after the project's conclusion, so that residents can recognise the lasting support it provided. He encouraged community members to engage not just for the incentives, but to actively take ownership of the regeneration process, highlighting how it ultimately benefits them all.” “While ROLL may not be available in every village across Lesotho and Berea, you have been given a unique opportunity. Embrace this chance to enhance your livelihoods, which will ultimately benefit your children and future generations,” concluded Mr Molupe.
The district administrator of Berea district, Mr. Makoko Phahlane, expressed his gratitude for the ROLL project and its positive impact in Berea, the district he oversees. He commended the villagers for their collaboration and strong sense of community. Mr. Phahlane assured them that he would engage law enforcement to address any potential threats, emphasising the need to protect the valuable work within the community and warn those who might seek to destroy it.
