Soil conservation: Administrative and extension approaches in Lesotho

The severe problem of soil erosion in Lesotho in southern Africa is discussed and the 45 years' conservation work undertaken to combat it is outlined. It has become apparent that rural villagers understand the processes of erosion and conservation, but that they lack the motivation to make the heavy, long-term sacrifices which conservation demands. Moreover, the disruption caused by conservation is such that this work should be organised and administered at village level, through existing or adapted village institutions. This calls for intensive and costly extension work and, if conservation is to have lasting value, further costs may have to be incurred by linking it with schemes to improve the productivity of the land protected.