The impact of Covid-19 on the livelihoods of wool and mohair farmers at Koro-Koro in the Masery District, Lesotho

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic came as a health crisis to the rest of the world. In Lesotho, the government’s response to curb the pandemic was implemented in March 2020. The measures taken were social distancing, lockdown, closure of borders, and shutdown of all activities with room allowed for provision of essential services. Although the measures were intended to curb the spread of the virus, they also had unintended consequences on the economy where the livelihoods of the people have been impacted; wool and mohair farmers were not an exception. Despite contributing positively to the GDP and job creation, the sector was affected by lockdown, and closure of borders where farmers could not cross borders to buy livestock medication and food supplements. Mohair shearing was delayed; as a result, income from the sale of wool and mohair was also delayed. The income was also little compared to the previous year prior to COVID-19. Animals’ health was compromised to some extent, and some died. There was a loss of livelihoods and employment to herders due to the pandemic as most farmers rely completely on wool and mohair. The government needed to intervene as a remedy and booster to the wool and mohair sector for it to recover