Page 50 - Respond 2016 Magazine

Farmers in Lesotho are using the last reserves of energy in their
starved cattle to plough fields, in the hope that the long-delayed
rains do come. They haven’t and a third year of drought beckons.
That puts 700,000 people in danger of starvation by early 2017.
Lesotho gets around R700 million a year (US$51m) from selling
that water; 10% of government revenue. The government says
the money has meant new schools, roads and electricity in
previously cut-off communities. Turbines in the system generate
75-megawatts of capacity, almost enough to power the whole
country. But people in Katse say they have seen little benefit from
selling their water. Rain last fell in any volume in 2013. The worst
drought in living memory has ensued, wiping out two season’s
worth of crops.

Climate Home’s reports from the front line of climate change are
funded by CDKN

All photos: © Delwyn Verasamy
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