FAO, WFP to establish pilot food security project in Mafeteng 

The World Food Program (WFP) and Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) have established a pilot food security project in Mafeteng district that is expected to start operating in February this year, according to WFP emergency coordinator, Ms. Magdalena Moshi.

In an interview with the Lesotho News Agency, Ms. Moshi said the project will work with orphaned children in the district, providing them with equipment and agricultural inputs so that they are able to produce crops and vegetables and maintain food security throughout the year. If successful, the project will be extended to the other nine districts of the country. 

 
Ms. Moshi said a recent survey by the WFP and the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) shows that there are about 91 000 orphans, in and out of school in the country, with the number expected to increase due to HIV/AIDS related deaths. They range in age from infants to just under 18 years.

"The situation of orphans is worse in some districts such as Thaba Tseka, Mafeteng and Maseru," she said. 

The prolonged drought in the country, now running for two consecutive years, has affected both summer and winter crops and it is anticipated that the poverty and hunger situation is going to be worse. 

The WFP through its emergency operation programme provides food rations of 50 kg of maize meal, 5 kg of pulses, 2.5 litres of vegetable oil and 3kg of corn soya blend to vulnerable groups in the country.

26 January 2004