Lesotho is a small, landlocked country surrounded by South Africa. Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom (U.K.) in 1966, political instability and slow economic development have plagued the country. A high HIV prevalence further complicates poverty reduction efforts in Lesotho. Here are seven factors affecting poverty in Lesotho:

 

1. Agriculture: More than 70% of Lesotho’s population lives in rural areas and depends on small-scale agriculture for their livelihood. However, periodic droughts in the region have led to poor harvests, exacerbating food insecurity. According to the World Factbook, between October 2022 and March 2023, 22% of the country’s rural population faced acute food insecurity.
2. Gender Inequality: According to the World Bank, while Lesotho is currently more equal than its neighboring countries, gender inequality remains a widespread issue nationwide, ranking among the top 20% of unequal countries worldwide. Although the female labor force participation rate in Lesotho has significantly increased in recent years, women are predominantly employed in low-skilled jobs. As a result, in 2017/2018, households headed by women had a poverty rate of 55.2%, compared to 46.3% for households that men run. 
3. Urbanization: Poverty in Lesotho is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Urban areas have a 28.5% poverty rate, while rural areas have a 60.7% poverty rate. Despite Lesotho’s recent economic development, most improvements have occurred in urban areas, leaving rural areas behind.
4. Education: In Lesotho, only 4.4% of the population resides in households where at least one individual has attended college or university, highlighting the scarcity of higher education. Among those who achieve a college education, the poverty rate is significantly lower, at just 8.7%.
5. Government programs: In the past 20 years, the government of Lesotho has collaborated with international organizations to enhance protections for individuals with low incomes and to boost economic opportunities. Consequently, the national poverty rate decreased from 56.6% to 49.7% between 2002 and 2017.
6. HIV: In Lesotho, there is a clear link between poverty and HIV. Nearly 24% of adults are living with HIV and access to treatment is crucial for preventing the virus’s spread and enabling those affected to lead normal lives. However, due to insufficient resources and lack of awareness, only about 57% of people with HIV are receiving treatment. This lack of support significantly affects their quality of life and hinders their ability to rise above the poverty line.
7. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs): Though poverty in Lesotho is an important issue for the country’s government, NGOs are stepping in to fill gaps. Many international nonprofit groups, such as Caritas Lesotho, operate in the country. Caritas Lesotho seeks to help individuals escape poverty by teaching them technical skills. It focuses on vulnerable children and teaches them a trade such as farming or woodworking. Groups like Caritas Lesotho are slowly helping to improve the country’s economic situation.

Examining the causes of poverty in a country is essential in deciding how best to address the issue. Poverty in Lesotho will continue to be an issue for many years. However, the country is on the right track and will improve as education and economic opportunities increase.

– Jack McMahon
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Updated: June 29, 2024