Lesotho: Most Basotho See Worsening Drought, Crop Failure, Erosion

Many citizens are adapting their work and personal lives to changing weather.

Key Findings
A large majority (91%) of Basotho report worsening drought in the last 10 years. Similarly, 87% say crop failures have become more severe. Additionally, 69% report worsening land or soil erosion. Half (50%) state that flooding has also worsened.

Majorities across all four ecological zones in Lesotho report these issues. Many Basotho have adjusted their lives due to changing weather patterns over the past five years. Over 40% (43%) have changed their outdoor work schedules. Meanwhile, 36% have altered their diets or the crops they plant.

One-third (33%) have reduced water consumption or changed water sources. About 30% have decreased livestock holdings or changed grazing patterns. Around one in 20 (6%) report moving to different places due to these changes.

Despite these impacts, only 54% of Basotho are aware of climate change. Among those who know about it:
- Over 90% (92%) believe it worsens life in Lesotho.
- About 60% attribute climate change to human activity (49%) or a mix of human and natural causes (11%).
- Half (50%) think developed countries should limit climate change impacts, while 23% see it as their government’s responsibility.

Most Basotho (77%) want the government to act now against climate change, even if costly. An even larger majority believes developed countries must act urgently (89%). They also feel rich nations should help Lesotho with adaptation costs (92%).

Basotho strongly support investing in climate-resilient infrastructure (91%). They also favor pressuring wealthy countries for climate aid (88%). However, there is significant resistance to banning tree cutting for firewood or charcoal use (75%). Similarly, many oppose mandating cleaner-fuel cookstoves (76%).

Africa is highly vulnerable to climate change but remains unprepared for its effects. The World Meteorological Organization reported this in 2023. According to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative's country index, Lesotho ranks high in vulnerability but low in readiness at positions 59th and 151st respectively.

Lesotho's location on a plateau affects its weather patterns significantly. It experiences high variability in temperatures and rainfall due to warm Indian Ocean currents and cold Atlantic currents.

A decade ago, the Ministry of Energy and Meteorology predicted increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns for Lesotho. These changes have led to declining agricultural productivity and increased soil degradation recently.

Lesotho's reliance on rain-fed agriculture is decreasing; it made up only 6.24% of GDP in 2022. However, agriculture still engages about 40% of the population and occupies most productive land.

To address climate change impacts, the Government of Lesotho created a National Climate Change Policy and Implementation Strategy. These strategies focus on legal arrangements, resource mobilization, and encouraging private-sector investment for mitigation efforts.

Afrobarometer's Round 10 survey explores citizens' experiences with climate change in Lesotho. Findings show many citizens report worsening droughts, crop failures, and soil erosion while adjusting their work schedules and dietary choices accordingly.

Only a slim majority of Basotho are aware of climate change's effects on their lives. Those familiar with it urge urgent action from both their government and developed nations for effective responses against this crisis.