Japan Donates US$1.36 Million to Bolster Lesotho's School Feeding Programme

Maseru – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a JPY 200 million (approximately US$1.36 million) contribution from the Government of Japan to support Lesotho's national school feeding program. The funding, announced today, will provide vital nutritional support to 50,000 pre-primary school children across the nation over the next year.

Ensuring Nutritional Security and Educational Advancement

The Japanese contribution aims to ensure uninterrupted access to hot, nutritious meals for vulnerable children, a critical intervention given Lesotho's persistent challenges with food security and malnutrition. The program is expected to significantly improve school attendance rates and enhance learning outcomes amongst pre-primary students. Furthermore, the donation will facilitate the expansion of the home-grown school meals initiative, connecting local smallholder farmers with schools and strengthening Lesotho's domestic food systems.

"We highly appreciate Japan's continued support to Lesotho," stated Mr. Elliot Vhurumuku, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lesotho. "Over the past five years, their contribution has enabled WFP to sustain the Government's national school feeding programme while strengthening climate resilient food systems and sustainable livelihoods in Lesotho."

Context: Food Security Challenges in Lesotho

Lesotho, a small, landlocked kingdom entirely surrounded by South Africa, faces chronic food security challenges exacerbated by climate change, land degradation, and poverty. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, a significant portion of the population experiences acute food insecurity, particularly during the lean season. The national school feeding program is a crucial safety net, providing a reliable source of nutrition for children from vulnerable households.

Historical Perspective on School Feeding Programs in Africa

School feeding programs have a long history in Africa, dating back to the colonial era. Initially, these programs were often implemented by missionary organizations and focused on providing basic nutrition to address widespread malnutrition. Over time, governments and international organizations, including the WFP, have taken a leading role in expanding and improving these programs. Today, school feeding is recognized as a key strategy for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including eradicating poverty, achieving zero hunger, and ensuring quality education.

Impact on Local Food Systems

The home-grown school meals component of the program is particularly significant as it aims to create a sustainable link between local farmers and schools. By sourcing food locally, the program not only provides nutritious meals but also supports local agriculture, boosts rural incomes, and reduces reliance on imported food. This approach aligns with the broader efforts to strengthen food sovereignty and build resilience to climate shocks within Lesotho's agricultural sector.

Expert Analysis: Building Resilience Through Integrated Approaches

Dr. Nthabiseng Moleko, an agricultural economist at the National University of Lesotho, emphasizes the importance of integrating school feeding programs with broader agricultural development initiatives. "While providing nutritious meals is crucial, it is equally important to ensure that these programs contribute to the long-term sustainability of local food systems," Dr. Moleko explains. "This requires investing in capacity building for smallholder farmers, improving access to markets, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices."

Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Expansion

The WFP and the Government of Lesotho are committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national school feeding program. Efforts are underway to diversify funding sources, strengthen local capacity for food procurement and storage, and improve monitoring and evaluation systems. The goal is to gradually expand the program to reach all vulnerable children in Lesotho, contributing to a healthier and more prosperous future for the nation.

The contribution from Japan represents a significant step towards achieving this goal, demonstrating the power of international partnerships in addressing complex development challenges.