CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF MANPOWER UTILIZATION ISSUES IN LESOTHO

Development of an effective manpower utilization strategy is thus crucial in solving Lesotho"s employment dilemma. This paper reviews an agriculturally-based, employment-intensive theory of development and applies it to the case of Lesotho, critically examines existing data and analyses on the employment situation, and formulates broad policy implications for the Government of Lesotho. John Mellor, in his book The New Economics of Growth, defines an employment-oriented development strategy as one which places heavy emphasis on agriculture as the basis of employment generation. The elements of this strategy include giving priority to agricultural production through technological change suitable to conditions in developing countries; reducing capital requirements per employee in the industrial sector; increasing the growth rate of both exports and imports; and decentralizing administrative institutions. The author of this paper delves into the major dimensions of Lesotho"s manpower utilization, thereby placing Mellor"s strategy into context. These issues include rural-urban migration; the magnitude of labor surplus or shortage; migration into South Africa and miners" incomes; growth of the labor supply during the years 1980-2000; and labor-intensive technologies and labor absorption. It is demonstrated that while the agricultural sector must be developed as the primary employer of returning migrants, the industrial and public works sectors also have an important role in this regard. Recommendations are made in the areas of agricultural production and marketing, import and export substitution, expansion of industry from urban areas, distribution of improved social services to village people, transfer of technology to small farmers and local personnel, and the quantity and quality of training. A 16-item bibliography (1960-80) is appended.