Mainstreaming Migration, Environment and Climate Change into (Re)integration Initiatives in Lesotho

As already manifesting in many parts of Southern Africa, for instance, severe droughts, windstorms, land degradation, heavy rainfall and snowstorms are adversely affecting agriculture production in Lesotho. Besides climate and environmental change impact on agricultural productivity, the decline in flow of migrant remittances to rural households have contributed to acute food insecurity and increasing poverty across districts. These challenges cumulatively contribute to driving the internal migration of people from rural to urban areas in pursuit of non-farm jobs in the garment industry and other sectors. Besides these challenges, the increase in return migration to rural communities in the face of climate and environmental change, as well as general lack of economic opportunities, would undermine the potential for sustainable   reintegration. The study examines the impact of climate and environmental change on migration, return and (re)integration in Lesotho. Findings of the study formulates recommendations to facilitate the mainstreaming of climate change and related migration into (re)integration and national development programmes. This would facilitate sustainable reintegration, poverty reduction, inclusive growth and socioeconomic well-being in Lesotho.