Government launches new livelihoods project to fight rural poverty

The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development (MGYSD) has introduced the Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (PSLP) to Heads of Departments, outlining an ambitious plan to strengthen rural livelihoods and fight poverty across the country.

The five-year project, financed through a World Bank loan and implemented in partnership with World Vision Lesotho, kickstarted yesterday in Qacha’s Nek, will run until June 2027.

According to the PSLP Livelihoods Specialist at MGYSD headquarters, Tlelima Phakisi, the project targets 10,000 households nationwide, focusing on vulnerable groups — with women making up 50 percent, youth 40 percent, persons with disabilities 2 percent, and men 8 percent.

During Phase 2, about 5000 households in Qacha’s Nek, Mokhotlong, Butha-Buthe, Maseru, and Thaba-Tseka will benefit, with roughly 1000 households per council. Each will receive a productive grant of M5400 to support income-generating activities.

The first component, known as the Economic Inclusion Program (EIP), will be implemented in Ntšupe Community Council, identified as one of the most poverty-stricken and food-insecure areas.

The EIP seeks to improve the efficiency of social assistance programs, enabling beneficiaries — including recipients of child grants, public assistance, and disability grants — to expand or start new economic ventures.