Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDSA)

Project Code: 032-002-052	Start Date: 01-Apr-87	End Date: 01-Mar-90
Commitment: £1,871,038	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
During 1986 a new Forest Division was established. Until that time the Woodlots Project was virtually the only Forest Authority in Lesotho. The project, since 1973 has received funds from GOL, and DFID, and expatriate management has been provided by Anglo de Beers Forest Services Lesotho (ABFOL). During this time, to April 1987, some 7 500ha of trees have been established in formal Forest Reserves, and a nucleus of trained forestry personnel has been built up. The organisation and activities of the previous discrete project have been absorbed into the Forest Division, and this Division is now responsible for all afforestation activities in Lesotho, within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Project Objectives:
The purpose of the present project is to assist the newly formed Forestry Division with the implementation of the forest policy on a broad front. Local cost finance will be provided for the Forest Development Section and TC support for forest development, forestry promotion and research and training. The project jointly funded by DFID and GOL is designed to: Expand the forest planting for fuelwood and pole production by a further 4 500ha and maintain, harvest and replant where necessary the 7 500ha of woodlots already established Lay the foundations for a social forestry programme by conducting a survey of people's needs and perception of tree planting activities. A programme of tree planting with active community or individual participation falls outside the scope of this project but is expected to be supported by another donor Broaden the research to include agroforestry, browse species and tree planting for soil and water conservation Develop the institutional strength of the Forestry Division through continued training at professional and technical levels To reduce soil erosion through expanding forestry cover and also through the use of crop residues for fodder rather than grazing, and a reduction on the collection of brushwood.