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

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

The contribution aims to ensure consistent access to hot, nutritious meals for vulnerable learners, with the overarching goal of improving school attendance and enhancing learning outcomes. Furthermore, the funding will support the expansion of the home-grown school meals programme, an initiative designed to connect smallholder farmers with local schools, thereby strengthening Lesotho's domestic food systems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Strengthening Food Security and Education

Mr. Elliot Vhurumuku, WFP Representative and Country Director in Lesotho, expressed his gratitude for Japan's continued commitment to Lesotho. "We highly appreciate Japan's continued support to Lesotho," he stated. "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."

The initiative is particularly crucial in Lesotho, a landlocked country facing significant challenges related to food security, poverty, and climate change. The school feeding programme serves as a vital safety net, providing a reliable source of nutrition for children from vulnerable households and incentivizing school attendance, which is critical for long-term development.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

School feeding programmes have a long history in Africa, often serving as a dual-purpose intervention addressing both hunger and educational attainment. Lesotho, like many other African nations, has relied on international assistance to support its national school feeding initiatives. However, the focus is increasingly shifting towards building sustainable, locally-sourced programmes that empower local farmers and promote food self-sufficiency. Climate change poses a major threat to Lesotho's agricultural sector, impacting crop yields and exacerbating food insecurity. The home-grown school meals programme is designed to mitigate these challenges by promoting climate-resilient farming practices and creating a stable market for local produce.

Expert Perspective on Sustainable Solutions

Dr. Nthabiseng Moleko, an agricultural economist at the National University of Lesotho, emphasizes the importance of integrating school feeding programmes with broader agricultural development strategies. "While external aid is crucial in the short term, the long-term sustainability of school feeding programmes hinges on building robust local food systems," Dr. Moleko explains. "This requires investments in agricultural infrastructure, training for smallholder farmers, and policies that promote fair market access. By linking schools to local farms, we can not only provide nutritious meals for children but also stimulate economic growth in rural communities."

She further notes, "The focus should be on diversifying crops to enhance nutritional value and resilience to climate shocks. Incorporating indigenous crops, which are often more drought-resistant and nutrient-rich, can contribute to more sustainable and effective school feeding programmes."

WFP's Role in Lesotho

The WFP works closely with the Government of Lesotho to implement and manage the national school feeding programme. Its role encompasses providing technical assistance, coordinating food procurement and distribution, and monitoring the programme's impact. The partnership with Japan has been instrumental in ensuring the programme's continuity and expansion, enabling the WFP to reach more children and contribute to Lesotho's overall development goals.

Looking Ahead

The latest contribution from Japan is expected to have a significant positive impact on the lives of thousands of pre-primary school children in Lesotho. By providing access to nutritious meals, the programme aims to improve their health, educational outcomes, and future prospects. It also strengthens the link between agriculture and education, fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system for the country. As Lesotho continues to grapple with the challenges of food insecurity and climate change, initiatives like the school feeding programme, supported by international partners like Japan, play a vital role in building a brighter future for its children.