3.5 - Lesotho

Question 1

Lesotho

Answer 1

Land-locked country in South Africa
40% of population below poverty line, half of population rely on informal farming and try go to mine in S Africa.
Lesotho offers an abundance of water

Question 2

Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP)

Answer 2

Aims to reverse southerly flow of the Orange River to the Vaal River in S. Africa
Systems of dams and pipelines to help achieve this, the purpose of the project is to provide Lesotho with HEP and money whilst giving S. Africa water.

Question 3

Positive From Mega Projects

Answer 3

Megadams reduce flood risk downstream
Rivers can help transport water
HEP helps develop another income source for the economy
Irrigation becomes more possible in water-stressed areas.

Question 4

Negatives From Mega Projects

Answer 4

Reservoirs displace rural residents
Hydrological changes downstream
Reduced water quality downstream
De-oxygenation and eutrophication
Loss of biodiversity
Damage to farmland - Impacting the poorest

Question 5

Asymmetrical Power Relations

Answer 5

When one country has more control over resources than another, Lesotho has proved this can be helped with water treaties and policies.