Portugal Contributes EUR 50,000 to WFP for Child Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture in Lesotho

Portugal Boosts Child Nutrition Efforts in Lesotho

The Government of Portugal has announced a significant contribution of EUR 50,000 (approximately US$57,700) to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to bolster child nutrition and sustainable agriculture initiatives in Lesotho. The announcement was made on November 21, 2025, underscoring Portugal's commitment to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in the Southern African nation.

Addressing Lesotho's Malnutrition Challenge

Lesotho faces a severe 'triple burden of malnutrition,' characterized by high levels of stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity. According to the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (2023–24), one in every three children under five years of age suffers from stunting, while over 7 percent are affected by obesity. Malnutrition remains a primary contributor to child mortality in the country. The WFP has been actively involved in Lesotho since 1962, supporting national school feeding programmes that provide meals to over 50,000 pre-primary children across ten districts.

Programme Details and Expected Impact

The Portuguese contribution will be strategically utilized to improve the diets of young children in schools. Specifically, the funding will enable the WFP to support local vegetable and fruit production for use in school meals, thereby offering children a more varied and nutritious diet. This initiative is expected to directly benefit almost 1,000 children under five years of age in the Berea district.

Furthermore, the programme includes a vital component of capacity building:

• Teachers and school committee members in 72 schools will receive practical training in sustainable agriculture.
• The training will focus on hands-on demonstrations of climate-smart gardening techniques.
• This aims to empower educators and community leaders to share knowledge and practices with their families and broader communities, fostering long-term food security.

This initiative is an integral part of the School Gardens Campaign, a collaborative effort led by the WFP, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, and the Ministry of Education and Training.

Official Statements Highlight Partnership and Support

Emily Doe, WFP's Acting Country Director in Lesotho, emphasized the critical nature of the funding, stating, 'If children do not receive adequate nutrients during their first few years of life, it can result in learning difficulties, increased susceptibility to disease, and reduced earnings in the future. Portugal's funding is vital for improving children's nutrition in Lesotho.'

H.E. Carlos Costa Neves, the Portuguese Ambassador to Lesotho and South Africa, reaffirmed Portugal's commitment: 'Portugal is aware of the malnutrition challenges faced by Lesotho. Through this funding we pledge our support to advancing Lesotho's National Strategic Development Goals and hope this contribution could in a way provide some assistance in improving the lives and well-being of Basotho.'

The contribution reflects the long-standing diplomatic relations between Lesotho and Portugal, which have been maintained since 1976. Portugal's development cooperation often focuses on human development and contributes significantly to multilateral organizations, aligning with its broader foreign aid objectives.