Lesotho: Macro to Micro Perspectives of Land-Use Change

Abstract

Lesotho is a country whose lowest point is 1,000 m above sea level. It is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Its extraordinary geographical position, relief and latitude contribute to its particular biophysical and socio-economic landscape. These features simultaneously affect and are affected by land-use choices and decisions. Historical and socio-political contexts are among other important factors in the human-environment interrelationship. This Chapter examines specific environmental, social, political and economic characteristics of Lesotho with reference to land-use and landscape changes in the country, highlighting the Lowland region. It outlines the macro and micro level context within which the case study will take place.

Appendix 1: Lesotho – Geographical Context

Lesotho is often described as the ‘kingdom in the sky’, with a lowest point of at least 1,000 m above sea level. It is located between latitude 28°S and 31°S and longitude 27°E and 30°E, with a size of 30,340 km² (Mbata 1997). The country is divided into four agro-ecological zones based on elevation and climate, containing ten administrative districts. The Lowland region ranges between 1,500 and 1,800 m above sea level and covers a narrow 20–50 km wide belt along the western boarder of the country. The Foothills region ranges between 1,800 and 2,000 m above sea level, along the northeast to southwest of the country, adjacent to the lower mountain range. The Mountain region ranges between 2,000 and 3,400 m above sea level, and contains the Maluti mountain ranges, with their African Alpine and sub alpine habitat of the Drankensberg’s type. The fourth region, Senqu River, rangers between 1,500 and 1,800 m above sea level in between the Mountain and Foothill region. Of interest to this study is the Lowland region, initially the nation’s ‘bread basket’. The Köppen symbol for Lesotho’s climate is BWh (Barry and Chorley 1998).⁴ The four seasons are: summer (November–January) with high temperatures and precipitation; autumn (February–April), winter (May–July) with clear skies, dry air, sunny days and cold, freezing nights; spring (August–October). Precipitation is highest in the Mountain region and lowest in the Senqu River and 85% of the annual total falls between October and March (Chakela 1999). Average temperatures are between −20°C and 36°C, with 310 sunshine days a year (Chakela 1999). Snow is common in the mountains and may occur throughout winter. Variable rainfall and drought characterize the climate. Grasslands and occasional shrubs are typical vegetation. Bogs are found in the mountains. Three vegetation belts exist in Lesotho; montane, sub-alpine and alpine (Chakela 1999:57). The montane belt extends up to 2,400 m, with subtropical grass species like Erograstis, Hyparrhenia and Cymbopogon. Between 2,400 and 2,900 m, both subtropical species and temperate species are evident: Themeda triandria and Harpochloa flax (subtropicals); and Pentaschistst species and Merxmuellera species are the temperate dominant type.