1.5 - Tsoelike Valley, Lesotho - Settlement and Service Provision

Question 1

Purpose nucleated settlements in Tsoelike valley in the past and present

Answer 1

In the past: needed for defense as everybody and all services were clustered together
Today: Easy and cheaper to provide services such as health clinics, schools, piped water and shop

Question 2

Purpose of dispersed settlements in Tsoelike

Answer 2

Mountainous areas, crops are grown and cattle keeping is important
* shortage of flat land is a problem

Question 3

Describe the settlements in Tsoelike valley

Answer 3

• Most of the settlements are below on altitude of 2250m, where it is warm enough to cultivated crops
• Highest land can be used only for grazing
• Most settlements are on the north-facing slope (recieve more sunlight making cultivation more easier)

Question 4

What past environmental problems have occurred in the valley settlements? (name 3)

Answer 4

• Steep, mountainous relief
  
  • only a small % of the land is suitable for crop farming (more suitable for animal grazing)
• Short growing season
  
  • late frost
• Communal grazing
  
  • discourages the growing of winter crops
• Soil erosion by wind and running water is a constant threat
• Crops can be damaged by hailstorms and locusts

Question 5

What past social problems have occurred in the valley settlements?

Answer 5

• Complex system of land allocation (tenure system) has led to land being fragmented into small plots with one person’s land being scattered across the village
• Lack of employment
• Shortage of labour
  
  • due to men leaving to work in South African mines
  • many young people no longer working in agriculture
• Growing population had increased pressure on available land

Question 6

What past positive changes have occurred in the valley settlements?

Answer 6

• Employment is now provided by forestry, public services and administration
• Main road to South African border has been improved
• Farmer Training Centre in Qacha’ Nek (nearby town) to introduce better agricultural methods

Question 7

Service hierarchy in Tsoelike Valley

Answer 7

Lowest in hierarchy
* Only services are local stores

Question 8

Service hierarchy in Qacha’s Nek

Answer 8

Middle order services; population of 8000; about 15 km away
* Provides primary and secondary schools, government hospital, bank, government offices, a church etc.