Factors influencing participation in Integrated Catchment Management programmes in Lesotho: The case of Lekhobanyane catchment

Integrated Catchment Management is increasingly becoming important in Lesotho where the majority of the population depends on the agricultural economy that is threatened by continuous multiple forms of land degradation that affect land use patterns. ICM requires ongoing participation to engage different stakeholders to address social aspects required to improve environmental approaches, social systems and policy initiatives to minimise effects of land degradation due to intensive unsustainable land management, climate change and extreme climatic hazards that result in excessive tolerable soil loss. This study sought to identify factors affecting community participation in ICM activities in Lekhobanyane catchment in Maseru district. The data collection for the study utilised the interview schedule targeting 95 household heads, randomly selected from 10 villages. Data analysis utilised logistic regression models to analyse the effects of multiple variables on the participation of the community in ICM. The findings have revealed that women and younger households with no employment participate more in ICM activities. The following factors gender, level of education, employment status, farming experience and access to extension services and frequency of extension visits influence participation in ICM programmes. The study recommends gender parity in decision making on ICM activities as this might help improve the quality of decision-making and ICM outcomes. Communities need assistance with innovations that reduce labour intensity, incentives to participate, knowledge and skills to facilitate participation in ICM. Efforts targeting the unemployed women, youths and household heads to participate in ICM should lead to significant positive increase in the implementation of ICM strategies.