Food Insecurity Looms in Lesotho as US-Funded School Feeding Programme Comes to an Abrupt End

In a devastating blow to the already vulnerable population of Lesotho, a US-funded school feeding programme that supported over 36,000 children across 200 schools has been abruptly cut by the US Department of Agriculture. The programme, known as Bokamoso Ba Bana, was a lifeline for many children in rural areas, where food insecurity affects nearly one in five people. With the programme’s termination, teachers, farmers, and cooks are bracing themselves for the worst, fearing a return to the days of empty stomachs and struggling schools.

The Bokamoso Ba Bana programme, which translates to "Future of the Children," was launched in 2022 with a $28.5 million funding commitment from the US Department of Agriculture. The programme not only provided meals to children but also invested in local farmers, procuring over 3,000 tonnes of food from regional and local suppliers. Additionally, it improved school infrastructure, including the construction of sanitation facilities and the provision of sanitary pads for girls.

However, with the sudden withdrawal of funding, the programme’s beneficiaries are facing an uncertain future. Teachers at schools like Ha Samuel Primary School, which relied heavily on the programme, are worried about the impact on their students’ education and well-being. "We will go back to our old problems," said ‘Mammenyane Thatho, a teacher at St Leonard Primary School. "Many kids come to school hungry, expecting their first meal here."

Local farmers, who had expanded their production to supply the programme, are also facing significant losses. ‘Mabafokeng Mothibi, a farmer from Semonkong, said, "Almost every vegetable farmer here was involved in the project supply chain. Now they will be stuck with unsold crops on their fields if the project does not continue."

Despite assurances from the Lesotho government that it will absorb the loss and continue with the programme, teachers and feeding managers are sceptical. They point to the government’s poor track record in managing school feeding programmes, citing frequent food shortages and inadequate resources.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is watching with concern. The US Congressional delegation’s recent visit to Lesotho to assess the impact of American aid cuts has raised questions about the long-term consequences of such decisions. With over 20% of the Lesotho population at risk of food insecurity, the termination of the Bokamoso Ba Bana programme has left many wondering what the future holds for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.