Lesotho - News Briefs

The news out of Lesotho recently has highlighted the struggles this country is facing. A severe drought last year has resulted in a substantial food shortage and escalating costs for basic food, especially maize. The UN is estimating that by early 2008, nearly 20% of the population will be short of food. If I thought the challenges were significant when I accepted a role in this small country, they seem even larger now.

News 24, 14 June 2007

VOA News, 18 June 2007

Compounding the ability to produce food in this country is a visible shortage of labourers to work in the fields. This shortage of workers is related to the death and dibilitation wrought upon the working age population by the high HIV/AIDS infection rate in the country.

Medical News Today, 15 June 2007

And, then there has been a recent rise in political tension in the country, with the capital, Maseru, under night time curfew following attacks on the homes of government ministers.

Mail and Guardian, 19 June 2007