ESMF and GRM training extended to DAR Management and APPSA PIU staff in Lesotho

Management of the Department of Agricultural Research (DAR), the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) Project Implementing Unit (PIU) and APPSA Research Technical Committee (RTC) participated in the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) training conducted in Maseru on the 11th May 2022.

This training workshop was jointly led by APPSA-Lesotho Environment & Social Safeguards specialist, Mrs Moliehi Lephoto and the Information, Communication & Knowledge Management (ICKM) team. The knowledge of ESMF & GRM will aid in decision making during project implementation, avoidance and mitigation of adverse environment and social risks and impacts, especially those that may affect disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals and groups.

In his opening remarks, the Project Manager, Mr Mabusetsa Makau, gave a general overview of APPSA. Mr Makau also highlighted that safety issues are of paramount importance in APPSA, not only for implementing officers, but also for affected communities as well at the environment. Mr Makau was delighted that entities responsible for overseeing the overall implementation of the project were trained on environment & social safeguards.

The targeted audience for these training workshops includes extension officers, local chiefs, counselors, and lead farmers located within the APPSA project areas. Thus, the Agro-ecological zones to be covered are Mountains, Foothills and Lowlands.
 
In her closing remarks, Dr Lefulesele Lebesa, the Director of Agricultural Research, expressed gratitude to the participants for availing themselves and actively participating in the workshop. Dr Lebesa acknowledged that the workshop was undoubtedly very insightful to the attendants. She asserted that holistic safety approach is key to the overall research undertakings. She pleaded with the attendants to observe appropriate safety measures and create a conducive environment for APPSA research and infrastructural developments.

Source: Department of Agricultural Research (DAR) of Lesotho