The main objective of the country outlook paper is to take a forward look at the forestry sector in the country. Starting from present status of forestry in the country, the paper seeks to visualise the most likely situation that can develop as regards forests and forest industries during the next 20 years and to assess the likely implications-economic, social and environmental- of the developments in the sector. It identifies important forces of change, and based on a critical analysis of these, predicts how these are likely to affect the sector. It indicates the assumptions made about the policy and institutional changes. It also takes into consideration intersectoral linkages.
Lesotho is predominantly grassland, and fossil pollen analyses indicate that the predominance of grassland and heatland has existed in the country for at least 23,000 years (Scott, 1984). According to missionaries records of 1833 closed low forests have been restricted to patches under escarpments and in some mountain valleys and they had difficulties in getting suitable trees for roofing as the trees were too short to make required trusses.
In the light of depleting vegetative cover, the colonial administration embarked upon a number of attempts to promote tree planting, particularly during 1930s. These campaigns had limited results when one considers the number of trees planted. Nonetheless many of the groves of poplars, willows and wattle dotting Lesotho’s countryside originate from this period.
The colonial administration embarked upon a number of attempts to promote tree planting, particularly during 1930s. These campaigns had limited results when one considers the number of trees planted. Nonetheless many of the groves of poplars, willows and wattle dotting Lesotho’s countryside originate from this period.
Forestry initiatives in Lesotho date back to 1855 (May, 1992). Overall their success record has been poor. Although millions of trees were planted, very few have survived to harvestable age. Both bio-physical constraints, mainly harsh climatic conditions, and socio-economic factors were responsible for this limited impact. Most of the earlier efforts were directed at encouraging individuals to plant trees, either for provision of wood or for soil conservation. Plantings for soil conservation purposes intensified from 1942 to 1947, and changed focus on communal planting in dongas or other unproductive areas. This scheme was largely unsuccessful, as tree survival rates were constrained by sub-standard planting practices and the absence of supervision and protection of planted areas from human and natural damage.
Following the limited success of community plantings, the Lesotho Woodlot Project (LWP), which commenced in 1973, had as its intermediate objective the establishment of tree plantations that were owned and managed by the Government. LWP established woodlots, or forest reserves (FRs), with a total planted area of over 7,000 ha. It also produced tree seedlings for planting in catchment areas. In addition, LWP set up the infrastructure that formed the basis of the Forestry Division, provided extensive staff training and undertook basic forest research.
In spite of the expenditure and effort put into LWP, which included contributions by the UK Overseas Development Administration (ODA), the World Food Programme and the South African mining companies Anglo-American and De Beers Consolidated, serious doubts were raised about the sustainability of the programme by donors.
1980s witnessed the introduction of a number of area- based projects that included a significant forestry component (e.g. Plenty, Matelile Project etc). These projects have tried to involve people in tree planting activities both on a communal and individual basis. Following such experiences and in line with world-wide trends, considerable interest in community or social forestry has been generated in Lesotho. This essentially entails assisting local people to plant their own trees.
