Project Detail

YWCA- Lesotho Aloe Plantation Project ( LAPP)

The overall objective of the project is to enhance availability of raw material for production of aloe cosmetics through plantation of Aloe americana in degraded areas of Makhalaneng. As the aloe cosmetics market grows, the availability of the good quality aloe plant diminishes hence a challenge to curb the situation by having aloe plantations in the country. The targeted aloe is Agave American which is classified as an alien invasive species in Lesotho yet it has proved to be of economic importance particularly in the production of household Vaseline and as animal feed during severe drought periods. The plant is also used for land rehabilitation in severely degraded areas as it can withstand very dry conditions.

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Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Young Women Christian Association

Country:

Lesotho

Area Of Work:

Multifocal Area

Operational Phase:

OP4 - Y2 (Jul 08 - Jun 09)

Grant Amount:

US$ 29,795.00

Co-Financing Cash:

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 29,897.00

Project Number:

LSO/SGP/OP4/Y2/CORE/2009/09

Start Date:

7/2009

End Date:

6/2012

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

Project Characteristics and Results

Linkages gef projects

Planning gef grant

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

Aloe americana is classified as an alien and invasive species in Lesotho. Therefore the Ministries of Agriculture and of Environment will be involved in raising awareness about vaious invasive species and their impact on the environment. They will also assisit the community in developing and implementing an environmental management plan for the project.

Policy Influence

Even though aloe cosmetics production is a growing activity in the country, there are not many initiatiaves to re-re-stock and maintain the raw materials at optimum levels. The aloe plantation initiative has potential to generate results that could inform the country's future endearvours to establish aloe plantations to meet the demand for the cosmetics industry.

Replication of project activities

Even though other villages have shown interest in establishing similar community plantations in their respective villages, they have not initiated the activity as yet and are waiting for external intervention for organization of campaigns and provision of requisite expertise.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Herders as major stakeholders in management of rangelands will be fully involved as plantations are located on degraded rangelands which will become very attractive once they are excluded from grazing. They will be represented in major activities including in training

Notable Community Participation

Key stakeholders inthe project include: members of YWCA who reside in the project area, local authorities who are responsible for natural resources management and general community development, herders who are the users of rangelands and other members of the community. All of these stakeholders were involved during project inception and will continue to participate throughout the life of the project.

Gender Focus

Main beneficiaries will be young women and girls particulalry htose who are members of YWCA. However effort will be made to include other sectors of the community including men for all to own the project and ensure its sustainability and security.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

Production of aloe cosmetics and herbal remedies for commercial purposes is on the increase in Lesotho. However efforts to replenish the stocks do not match the rate at which the resources are harvested. The thrust of the project is planting of the targeted aloe to protect the natural stocks and to ensure a regular supply to sustain business

Planning non gef grant

The Department of Environment and LEPCOP had indicated interest for close monitoring of the project to document results and lessons learnt for use in establishment of plantations in other areas.

Project sustainability

The small community plantations were established by local community members on sites allocated by local authorites and under the protection of the local authorities who were involved in the project from its inception through to its completion. However, the planted aloe is yet to mature and real benefits from the plantation are yet to be realized.

Capacity - Building Component

Young women and girls and other sectors of the community will recieve training in aloe plantation and its uses; aloe cosmetic production, entrepreneurship and marketing skills

Project Results

- Imroved knowledge and skills on how to produce aloe cosmetics especially aloe based vaseline by both YWCA members from different branches and non-YWCA members from Seroeng community: 60 people (50 women and 10 men) received training on aloe planting and nurturing and production of aloe based cosmetics.

- Improved capacity on marketing and small business entrepreneurship
60 people were quipped with entrepreneurship skills. YWCA initiated a vaseline marketing activity as an income generation initiative

- Aloe plantation sites (about 3 ha) on overgrazed and degraded land, rehabilitated and now have potential to generate income from sale of aloe for cosmetic production. The plants are yet to mature and the benefits are yet to be realized in a couple of years to come

- A total of 212 community members benefited from the project through trainings; aloe planting campaigns and

- Very strong partnerships were established with the Lesotho Council of NGOs; LEPCOP - a vaseline making cooperative sosiety and the. Department of Environment. Sustenance of the partnerships will enhance project sustainability and chances for replication of project results.

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Number and type of support linkages established with local governments/authorities 2

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