LESOTHO – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Lesotho have officially signed a new Country Programming Framework (CPF), a step toward transforming Lesotho’s agrifood systems.
The signing ceremony, held in Maseru, was a key highlight of FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu’s five-day visit to the Mountain Kingdom.
The CPF serves as a strategic plan that outlines FAO’s priorities and support to Lesotho in its pursuit of sustainable agricultural development and food security.
Over the next five years, this framework will guide efforts to enhance agricultural production, promote sustainable management of natural resources, and build climate resilience across the country.
In his address during the ceremony, Dr. Qu highlighted the vital role of strong partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on food security and sustainable agriculture.
He emphasized that transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable is crucial to addressing the challenges faced by Lesotho.
Addressing challenges and seizing opportunities
Dr. Qu highlighted the various challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Lesotho, particularly the need to shorten agrifood value chains to make them more resilient to shocks.
He acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent avian influenza outbreaks on the country’s food security and livelihoods, stressing the importance of building more robust food systems that can withstand such disruptions.
“During my discussions with you these past days, I have listened to you and appreciated the work that your respective ministries are doing with FAO, and more importantly, of what we can do to further strengthen our collaboration to ensure even more impactful results,” Dr. Qu remarked.
Leveraging global funding for greater impact
As part of the new CPF, FAO will work closely with Lesotho to tap into funding opportunities through the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund. These partnerships aim to further enhance the country’s capacity to implement sustainable agricultural practices and build resilience against climate change.
The newly signed framework represents a renewed commitment by FAO and Lesotho to collaborate on initiatives that will drive agricultural growth, improve food security, and support the livelihoods of the country’s population.
By focusing on these priorities, the CPF aims to create a more sustainable and resilient agrifood system in Lesotho, ultimately contributing to the broader global goals of sustainable development.
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