LAND AND WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Evaluation covers the period 6/74-4/80 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project personnel. LWC activities are being developed in cooperation with 20 Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) projects that affect 19,000 families utilizing 120,000 ha (against respective targets of 35,000 and 400,000) in the Thaba Bosiu and Laribe Khomokhoana areas. Village meetings and tours of LWC sites have involved 34,700 people, and soil surveys of 218,787 ha were completed along with plans for 31 LWC projects. MOA reorganization has shown the need for close MOA interdepartmental cooperation in LWC practices. Basotho were trained to replace 14 senior and professional expatriate staff in the Conservation Division (CD). Some 14 Basotho received U.S. training at the B.S. and M.S. levels, although five were reassigned to other GOL agencies. Nine other Basotho are undergoing U.S. degree and diploma training. Other training included orientation training for non-senior CD staff and bi-weekly sessions to update field staff on LWC policies. Staff mobility, although still constrained, was improved by the provision of nine vehicles. Some 137 village committees were formed to inform farmers of LWC activities and to help in LWC planning and implementation. CD extensionists have developed teaching methods and materials to promote farmer acceptance of LWC practices. Project problems include excessive repair time for old equipment; inability to plan LWC projects based on watershed location (since Lesotho is administered according to village location); and failure to establish a mobile field repair unit. It is recommended that: academic training be provided in agricultural economics, animal science, crop production and range management; data be collected on the technological and nutritional impact of LWC practices; and an economic analysis of project activities be conducted. Project experience has taught that LWC practices will not increase agricultural production over the short-term.