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The study of Lesotho National wool and Mohair Growers Association, Semonkong, Lesotho
Get PDFThis study investigated the role of wool and mohair industry in promoting gender participation
in the industry. The aim was to understand the extent and nature of male and female
involvement, exploring the stages of participation, livelihood improvement, policies and
initiatives and the relationship between the demographic attributes and stages of participation,
livelihood improvement, policies and initiatives. Qualitative data was collected using one on
one interviews with ten key informants and the results were used to inform the quantitative
data collection from one hundred and twenty LNWMGA wool and mohair growers from
Semonkong.
Findings revealed significant gender disparities suggesting that wool and mohair industry had
limit effect in promoting equal gender participation as women’s participation was limited by
societal expectations and domestic responsibilities, and cultural norms, perceived expertise and
lack of policies which favoured men in leadership roles, resulting in male dominance. The
majority of growers (82.5%) confirmed men participate more while women’s participation was
(16.7%). The chi square test was also used to determine the association between wool and
mohair growers’ demographics and participation. The findings revealed that there is no
association between the variables (equal participation, stages of participation, livelihood
improvement and policies and initiatives) with gender, age, marital status and education.
While, livelihood improvement, policies and stages of participation had the significant
association with age and education. The wool and mohair industry does not promote gender
participation especially equal participation.National Manpower Development Secretaria
The case of Maseru and Roma in Lesotho
Get PDFLocal owned small-scale enterprises play a vital role in fostering economic growth, job
creation and community development. The success and vitality of small-scale enterprises
are recognized as important elements in measuring an economy’s progress and future
development. The objective of the study was to ascertain the mitigating mechanisms for
resolving the impediments of locally owned small-scale enterprises’ growth in Lesotho.
This study used primary data from the target population of locally owned small-scale
entrepreneurs operating in various sectors across the Maseru town and Roma. 54
participants were drawn from local small-scale entrepreneurs. From the 54 sample size,
40 was quantitative and used stratified and simple random sampling then the remaining
14 was qualitative and used purposive and snowballing sampling.
The data was analyzed through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
software, which generated the findings in the form of graphs and descriptive statistics. The
study used two theoretical frameworks; which are entrepreneurship ecosystem and the
theory of resource based view. These theories are the Interactive Theory and the Social
Exchange Theory. The research findings revealed that Basotho’s businesses are
characterized by several key challenges which hamper their growth.
The study identified impediments such as financial impediments, which saw many local
small-scale businesses not growing due to lack of capital. It was discovered that securing
funding for business operations, expansion or unexpected expenses was difficult for small-
scale enterprises, especially because they lacked a solid credit history or valuable
collateral. Market challenge was another setback as businesses often competed with each
other and had limited budget for marketing and advertising and the efforts made others
spread their goods in different points of sales across the town. However, most of the
respondents did not consider advertising and using social media to attract new market.
Lack of business literacy was another impediment found to hamper with the growth of local
businesses. Many businesses struggled to invest in and adopt new technologies that can
improve efficiency, productivity and customer experience. Poor infrastructural
developments which included insufficient storage and warehousing facilities and lack of
electricity, water supply and seasonal times can limit the operations of small-scale
businesses and increase operational costs thus running them into deficit. Many
respondents pointed out that bureaucratic impediment saw the government of Lesotho
playing a minimal intervention in boosting the locally owned small-scale businesses.
However, the study also found that some small scale enterprises have developed coping
strategies to overcome these impediments. Among others, it was discovered that some
businesses formed partnerships with other businesses and also with accessing
government support through relevant ministries. Furthermore, it was discovered that the
businesses have developed a range of coping strategies, including the use of financial
support in the form of workshops and seminars; collaborations and bulk-buying and
participation in government programs. The findings of this research further highlighted the
importance of supporting the development of locally owned small-scale enterprises in
Lesotho. In order to do so, it is essential to provide these businesses with the resources
and support they need to overcome the challenges they face.
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In addition, this research also examined the effect of government intervention on mitigating
growth impediments faced by locally-owned small-scale enterprises in Lesotho. The
findings illustrated that government programs and initiatives can provide some support to
small-scale enterprises but the overall impact is limited because of government-business
relationships. Most respondents pointed out that Lesotho laws are not sufficiently stretched
to accommodate the nature of their businesses.National Manpower Development Secretaria
Learners and teachers'perspectives on the use of code switching in Geography teaching and learning
Get PDFLanguage of instruction stands as a crucial element in fostering learners’ comprehension
of any subject matter. Prior studies indicate that learners’ limited proficiency in the English
language is among the factors influencing their performance in Geography. The present
study delved into the impact of code switching in the domain of Lesotho’s geography
education, drawing insights from both learners’ and teachers’ viewpoints. Drawing on
Hoffmann’s theory of code switching, the study employed explanatory sequential mixed
method research design, which involved classroom observations, focus-group interviews
as well as in-depth interviews with grade 10 learners and teachers respectively. Findings
indicate that code switching in geography education improves learners’ comprehension
by improving their proficiency in subject-specific terminology. However, an over-reliance
on code switching must be avoided as learners can lose their ability to employ geography
vocabulary. This study suggests that the Lesotho Education Language Policy could be
revised to include the selective use of mother tongues in teaching and learning.Sel
Exploring the use of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) to advance digital literacy in the teaching and learning of French as a foreign language in Lesotho Secondary schools
Get PDFThe rapidly changing world necessitates a shift from traditional to modern teaching methods.
Integrating Information Communication and Technology (ICT) into the classroom
environment fosters dynamism and engagement. This study sought to explore the use of
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) to advance digital literacy in the
teaching and learning of French as a foreign language (FFL) in Lesotho secondary schools.
This qualitative study was underpinned by two theories namely, TPACK and the Resources and
Appropriation Theory. It was anchored on the critical paradigm. This was an emancipatory
action research design comprising two phases: the problem identification phase and the
therapeutic phase. The study purposively and conveniently selected and worked with four FFL
teachers from four different schools. Four methods of data generation: document analysis,
reflective journals, observations and semi-structured interviews were triangulated to generate
authentic and insightful data. The data were to be analysed using thematic analysis entailing
deductive and inductive analysis to encompass the predetermined and newly emerging themes.
For deductive datasets, four themes were predetermined from the theories and the phenomenon
of the study: attitude/motivation access, physical/material access, skills access, and usage
access. However, there were no inductive data sets. The findings of the study revealed that
there was a variation between the first and the second phase. In the first phase, participants
were unaware of how TPACK could advance their digital literacy for improved practices.
Therefore, as an intervention, participants were capacitated on how TPACK could be used to
advance their digital literacy and attain learning goals. Resultantly, the second phase brought
about an improvement as participants demonstrated awareness of TPACK, digital literacy and
how they could use TPACK to advance their digital literacy and reinforce learners’
comprehension. Therefore, this study proposes that the Ministry of Education and Training
(MoET) revise the Lesotho Basic Education Curriculum Policy (LBCEP) to include practical
guidelines on how teachers should equip learners with digital literacy. Moreover, French
teachers should be provided with continuous professional training workshops on the
integration of digital literacy into their practicesNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Investigating the impact of the social model of disability on access to justice for persons with disabilities, and special needs in public institutions in Lesotho
Get PDFAccess to justice is a cardinal aspect of human rights which connotes equality of
individuals and non-discrimination. There cannot be a just and equitable justice for all, properly
so-called, without access to justice. Ideally, access to justice pre-supposes that all individual
human beings should have the ability to obtain redresses and/or remedies through the
instrumentality of the law, notwithstanding their circumstances of birth or social standing.
However, in Lesotho as in much of the developing world, access to justice remains a difficulty for
persons with disabilities and special needs. An array of factors ranging from societal attitudes and
gaps in the law to governmental and institutional barriers are responsible for this situation.
This study investigates the impact of the social model of disability on access to justice for
persons with disabilities and special needs in public institutions in Lesotho and examines the nature
of the difficulties encountered by these underprivileged persons in accessing justice, such as
obtaining a legal practitioner who is conversant in braille and sign language, amongst othersNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Pedagogical training of lecturers for higher education
Get PDFThe study aims to explore inadequate pedagogical training for higher education and strategies that
could enhance effective teaching. The study adopted a constructivist paradigm and qualitative research
design as it is qualitative in nature. Bandura’s social cognitive theory forms the basis for the study.
The theory holds that learning occurs in a social context, interacts with the surroundings and actions,
and applies the already stored schemata to acquire new knowledge. Data were generated from the
critical review of the relevant literature. It was interpreted and analyzed thematically following Castle
and Amanda’s five steps of thematic analysis. The results showed inadequate funding and wrong
assumptions about the teaching abilities of lecturers with advanced degrees. In addition, there is also
a lack of formal training programs, which contributes to the poor state of teacher training. The study
revealed that enough funding and transparent lecturers’ pedagogical training structures can enhance
lecturers’ teaching abilities. The study concludes that teacher training for higher education is
insufficient. However, proper financial support for relevant and effective teacher training programmes
could improve lecturers’ teaching skills and thus better students’ performance. The study recommends
that all lecturers in higher education should go under formal teacher training. Universities should also
source funds to enhance formal teacher training for novice lecturers. There should be frequent
refresher courses on the latest teaching methods for gurus already in the field.Sel
An exploratory approach
Get PDFAssessment for Learning (AfL) plays a crucial role in the effective
teaching and learning of Geography, offering educators a means to
enhance student achievement. Through ongoing evaluations
involving verbal and written exercises, AfL not only readies
students for summative Assessment of Learning (AoL) but also
supports them in grasping complex Geography concepts, features,
and processes, as evidenced by examination performance. Over the
last five years, as indicated by the Examinations Council of Lesotho,
persistent challenges have emerged in this regard, potentially
stemming from inadequacies in assessment strategies. This study
delves into the perceptions of Geography teachers concerning
Assessment for Learning. Employing a qualitative approach, the
research utilizes non-participatory observations and in-depth
interviews to collect data. The study is grounded in Gregory's
Theory of Perception and Keeping Learning on Track Theory of
Action, offering theoretical frameworks for analysis. The findings
reveal that teachers face obstacles when implementing Assessment
for Learning, including time constraints and issues related to
classroom overcrowding. Notably, a significant insight is the lack of
both Assessment knowledge and Pedagogical Content Knowledge
among teachers. As a resolution, it is recommended that
comprehensive assessment training be provided for both pre-
service and in-service teachers, addressing these identified gapsSel
The case of Roma community, Maseru, Lesotho
Get PDFThe study investigated views among young people in Lesotho regarding a potential
connection between social media use and suicide risk. Its goal is to comprehend how
young people view the connection between their social interactions and suicidal
thoughts or actions.
The social comparison theory of Leon Festinger and Emile Durkheim's theory of
suicide served as the foundation for this qualitative investigation. The study employed
purposive and snowball sampling strategies to identify participants who resided in the
Roma community. Data for the study was gathered through social media content
analysis and in-person, in-depth interview guidance. The gathered information was
translated into English and transcribed. The data was then subjected to thematic
analysis.
According to the study's preliminary findings, social, psychological, and economic
factors are the main ones that increase the risk of suicide among young people. The
study also showed that sadness and mental pain are caused by a complex interaction
of factors, such as social comparisons, cyberbullying, and pressure to maintain an
online identity. Young people are therefore at risk for suicide since they are more
susceptible to stress and sadness. Thus, it can be said that youth suicide risk is
increased by active social media use, which is linked to mental health and relationship
issues. To lessen the possible harmful consequences of social media, the research
also emphasizes the necessity for focused mental health interventions and campaigns
advocating for appropriate social media usage.National Manpower Development Secretaria
A religious perspective
Get PDFThe debate on the rights of homosexuals (it must be noted that, the word “homosexual” is used
to refer to the LGBTQI+ community mentioned in the title and shall be used interchangeably)
to marry one another has been a heated debate from the time the topic came into public
discourse.1 The question of the legalisation of homosexuality in general has been tabled before
different parliaments, with some countries like South Africa haven gone ahead to legalise the
marriage between same sex couples. Other countries like Uganda have rather banned such
activity on the basis that it is a sinful practice.2 Both the courts and parliaments are facing a
great challenge since the LGBTQ+ community is backed by European countries and
organisations that influence governments to legalise homosexuality.3 The influence of
Europeans, Americans and civil organisations has also been realised with the passing of the
law of inheritance in Lesotho, being a typical example that Americans may in future also
influence the government to enact the law that legalises marriage between homosexuals in
Lesotho.4 Hence the need to probe into the discussion.National Manpower Development Secretaria
The case study of Majapereng Electoral Division
Get PDFWater scarcity is a pressing issue in most developing countries where water resources are scarce
with little support from the government. This study intended to investigate the feminine impact of
water scarcity on rural livelihoods with specific focus on Majapereng Electoral Division. In order
to gain in-depth insights into the subject matter, the study employed the qualitative research
methodology. The findings of the study revealed that women participate in livelihood activities
such as agriculture, livestock production and brewing traditional beer. Women have experienced
a decline in agriculture, poor livestock production including low quality of wool, mohair, and meat
as a result of the of water scarcity in Majapereng Electoral Division. The government, non-
governmental organisations and the communities within Majapereng Electoral Division have
adopted innovative strategies such as water harvesting, installation of solar powered community
taps and construction of community dams to address water scarcity incidence in Majapereng
Electoral Division. The study concludes that ensuring water availability and accessibility to
women reduces the disproportionate burden placed on women and sustains their livelihoods. The
study recommends collaboration between the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development
to address policies related to the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) andincorporate gender in all stages of policyNational Manpower Development Secretaria