Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey

2012 © Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho May 2014, Maseru

Photo Credits: UNDP HelpLesotho.org

Edited by: Setšabi Setšabi-Project Coordinator, Empowering Youth For Development, UNDP

Designed & Printed by: The Agency (www.theagency.co.ls) TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ...... VII

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... VIII

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... III

LIST OF TABLES ...... IX

LIST OF FIGURES ...... X

LIST OF ACRONYMS ...... XI

LIST OF DEFINITIONS ...... XII

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... XII

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1. BACKGROUND ...... 1 1.2 RATIONALE OF THE SURVEY ...... 2 1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY ...... 2 1.4 REPORT OUTLINE ...... 2 2. SURVEY METHODOLOGY ...... 3

2.1. INTRODUCTION...... 3 2.2. SAMPLING AND SAMPLING PROCEDURE ...... 3 2.2.1. Sampling Frame ...... 3 2.2.2. Sample Size Determination ...... 3 2.2.3. Allocation of the Sample ...... 3 2.2.4. SELECTION OF HOUSEHOLDS AND RESPONDENTS ...... 4 2.3. DATA COLLECTION ...... 4 2.4. RESPONSE RATE...... 4 2.5. DATA PROCESSING ...... 5 2.5.1. Field Editing of the Questionnaires ...... 5 2.5.2. Offi ce Editing and Coding of the Questionnaires ...... 5 2.5.3. Data Entry ...... 5 2.5.4. Verifi cation ...... 5 2.5.5. Electronic Editing and Cleaning ...... 5 2.5.6. Data Documentation and Linkage ...... 5 2.6. Analysis and Report Writing ...... 5 3. YOUTH DEMOGRAPHY ...... 6

3.1. INTRODUCTION...... 6 3.2. YOUTH POPULATION DISTRIBUTION...... 6 3.3. HOUSEHOLD HEADSHIP ...... 7 3.4. ORPHANHOOD ...... 7 3.5. MARITAL STATUS ...... 9 3.6. YOUTH FERTILITY ...... 9 3.7. MORTALITY...... 11 3.8. DISCUSSION ...... 11 3.8.1. Basic Youth Demographics ...... 11 3.8.2. Geospatial Distribution of the Youth Population ...... 12 3.8.3. Orphanhood and Household Headship ...... 12 3.8.4. Marriage and Fertility ...... 13 3.9. CONCLUSION ...... 13

Page III Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 4. EDUCATION ...... 14

4.1. INTRODUCTION...... 14 4.2. YOUTH EVER ATTENDED SCHOOL ...... 14 4.3. YOUTH ENROLMENT AT PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SECONDARY SCHOOL ...... 15 4.4. ENROLMENT IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ...... 17 4.5. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND DROP-OUT ...... 18 4.6. YOUTH EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ...... 19 4.7. LEVELS OF SESOTHO AND ENGLISH LITERACY ...... 20 4.8. REASONS FOR DROPPING OUT...... 20 4.9. SOLUTIONS TO DROP-OUT PROBLEM ...... 22 4.10. RATING RELEVANCE OF LESOTHO’S EDUCATION SYSTEM ...... 22 4.11. DISCUSSION ...... 23 4.11.1. Attendance ...... 23 4.11.2. Youth Enrolment at Primary...... 23 4.11.3. School Attendance and Drop-out ...... 23 4.11.4. Youth Educational Attainment ...... 24 4.11.5. Levels of Sesotho and English literacy ...... 24 4.11.6. Reasons for Dropping-out ...... 24 4.11.7. Solutions to Drop-out Problem ...... 24 4.11.8. Rating the Relevance of Lesotho Education System ...... 24 4.12. CONCLUSION ...... 24 5. EMPLOYMENT ...... 25

5.1. INTRODUCTION...... 25 5.2. PARTICIPATION IN EMPLOYMENT ...... 26 5.3. EMPLOYMENT STATUS ...... 26 5.4. CURRENT EMPLOYER ...... 27 5.5. OCCUPATION ...... 28 5.6. CURRENT WORKPLACE BY SECTOR ...... 29 5.7. YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT ...... 29 5.8. LENGTH OF TIME JOB SEEKING ...... 30 5.9. ASPIRATION TO START OWN BUSINESS ...... 30 5.10. DISCUSSION ...... 31 5.11. CONCLUSION ...... 31 6. FOOD SECURITY ...... 32

6.1. INTRODUCTION...... 32 6.2. PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF FOOD ...... 33 6.3. NUMBER OF MEALS PER DAY ...... 33 6.4. PROPORTION OF YOUTH EATING ONLY PAPA DAILY ...... 33 6.5. PROPORTION OF YOUTH EATING PAPA AND ONE OR MORE VEGETABLES ...... 34 6.6. PROPORTION OF YOUTH EATING AT LEAST ONE PROTEIN A DAY ...... 35 6.7. DISCUSSION ...... 35 6.7.1. Principal Source of Food ...... 35 6.7.2. Frequency of Meals Eaten in a Day ...... 36 6.7.3 Frequency and Quality of Meals ...... 36 6.7.4. Frequency of Eating at Least one Protein ...... 36 6.8. CONCLUSION ...... 36 7. HOUSEHOLD DRINKING WATER, SANITATION AND ENERGY...... 37

7.1. INTRODUCTION...... 37 7.2. ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER ...... 37 7.3. SANITATION FACILITIES ...... 39 7.4. HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SOURCES ...... 39 7.4.1. Principal Energy Source for Cooking ...... 39 7.4.2. Principal Energy Source for Heating ...... 39 7.4.3. Principal Energy Source for Lighting ...... 41

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page IV 7.5. DISCUSSION ...... 41 7.5.1. Water and Sanitation ...... 41 7.5.2. Household Energy Sources ...... 41 7.5.3. Fuel for Cooking ...... 42 7.5.4. Fuel for Heating...... 42 7.5.5. Fuel for Lighting ...... 42 7.6. CONCLUSION ...... 42 8. YOUTH VULNEREBILITIES ...... 43

8.1. INTRODUCTION...... 43 8.2. VULNERABILITY THROUGH SEXUAL PRACTICES ...... 43 8.2.1. Initiation of Sexual Intercourse ...... 43 8.2.2. Risky Sexual Behaviour and Practices ...... 44 8.2.3. Commercial Sex ...... 46 8.2.4. Incidence of STIs ...... 50 8.3. HIV AND AIDS ...... 51 8.4. DRUGS AND OTHER HARMFUL SUBSTANCES ...... 52 8.5. TOBACCO SMOKING AND REASONS FOR SMOKING ...... 52 8.6. ALCOHOL DRINKING AND REASONS FOR DRINKING ...... 53 8.7. SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND REASONS FOR USE ...... 54 8.8. DISCUSSION ...... 54 8.8.1. Sexual Activity ...... 54 8.8.2. Risky Sexual Behaviour ...... 55 8.8.3. Incidence of STIs ...... 55 8.8.4. Commercial Sex ...... 55 8.9. ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES ...... 56 8.9.1. Smoking...... 56 8.9.2. Drinking ...... 56 8.10. CONCLUSION ...... 56 9. HEALTH SERVICES UTILISATION ...... 57

9.1. INTRODUCTION...... 57 9.2. HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR ...... 57 9.3. RATING OF HEALTH SERVICES ...... 59 9.4. DISCUSSION ...... 60 9.4.1. Health-seeking Behaviour ...... 60 9.4.2. Quality of Health Services ...... 60 9.5. CONCLUSION ...... 61 10. SPORTS AND RECREATION ...... 62

10.1. INTRODUCTION ...... 62 10.2. SPORTING PARTICIPATION IN SPORTING ACTIVITIES ...... 62 10.3. CHALLENGES FACED IN THE DIFFERENT SPORTING ACTIVITIES ...... 64 10.4. SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES FACED IN SPORTS ...... 65 10.5. DISCUSSIONS ...... 66 10.5.1. Sporting Activity ...... 66 10.5.2. Challenges Faced in Sports ...... 66 10.6 CONCLUSION ...... 66 11. GOVERNANCE AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION ...... 67

11.1. INTRODUCTION ...... 67 11.2. PARTICIPATION IN NATIONAL POLITICS ...... 67 11.2.1. Membership of Political Parties ...... 67 11.2.2. Participation in Parliament including Interaction with Local MP ...... 68 11.2.3. Participation in the May 2012 Elections ...... 69 11.2.4. Reasons for Not Voting ...... 69

Page V Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 11.3. PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ...... 71 11.4. PARTICIPATION IN CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ...... 72 11.4.1. Participation in Youth Organisations ...... 72 11.4.2. Participation in Faith Based Organisations ...... 73 11.4.3. Participation in Non Governmental Organisations ...... 73 11.4.4. Participation in ICSMs ...... 74 11.5. DISCUSSION ...... 75 11.5.1. The National Youth Policy...... 75 11.5.2. THE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL ...... 76 11.5.3. Participation in National Elections ...... 76 11.5.4. Participation in Parliament ...... 77 11.13. PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY ...... 77 11.14. CONCLUSION ...... 77 12. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ...... 78

12.1. INTRODUCTION ...... 78 12.2. OWNERSHIP, ACCESS AND USE OF A WORKING RADIO ...... 78 12.2.1. Access to Working Radio ...... 79 12.2.2. Principal Uses of a Working Radio ...... 80 12.3. OWNERSHIP AND ACCESS TO A WORKING TELEVISION ...... 80 12.4. OWNERSHIP, ACCESS AND USE OF WORKING COMPUTER ...... 83 12.5. ACCESS TO A WORKING COMPUTER ...... 84 12.6. OWNERSHIP, ACCESS AND USE OF INTERNET CONNECTION ...... 85 12.7. OWNERSHIP, ACCESS AND USE OF MOBILE PHONES ...... 88 12.8. PARTICIPATION IN RADIO AND INTERNET DEBATES ...... 90 12.8.1. Participation in Radio Debates ...... 90 12.8.2. Participation in Internet Debates ...... 91 12.9. DISCUSSION ...... 92 12.9.1. The Digital Divides ...... 92 12.9.2. The Digital Divide and Youth Development ...... 92 CONCLUSION ...... 93 13. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 94

13.1. YOUTH DEMOGRAPHY ...... 94 13.2. EDUCATION ...... 94 13.3. EMPLOYMENT ...... 95 13.4. FOOD SECURITY ...... 96 13.5. HOUSEHOLD DRINKING WATER, SANITATION AND ENERGY ...... 96 13.6. YOUTH VULNERABILITIES ...... 97 13.7. HEALTH SERVICES UTILISATION ...... 97 13.8. SPORTS AND RECREATION ...... 98 13.9. GOVERNANCE AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION ...... 98 13.10. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES ...... 98 REFERENCES ...... 100

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page VI PREFACE

Over the last few years youth has moved to take its rightful position in academic and policy discourse. A signifi cant shift is recognisable from a focus on youth as a period of turbulence in the human life cycle, to a focus on adolescents and young adults, not only as bridge with future generations, but also as powerful agents of change in their respective societies.

The youth are stakeholders in engineering political and economic systems that address their aspirations, offer them hope for the future and facilitate the meeting of their needs for a descent standard of living. Lesotho’s population is relatively youthful with 39.8 per cent of the population between the years of 15 and 35. This presents a huge opportunity for the country to leverage the potential and energy of the youth to realise it development objectives.

This report is the outcome of a fruitful collaborative effort by UNDP and the Government of Lesotho to provide the necessary evidence base required for policy making. The information provided by this report will help to target interventions to enlarge the functioning and capabilities of youth to realise national development goals. Through this work it is indeed our hope that appropriate strategies will enable youth to be empowered and responsible citizens who will engage in the realisation of the National Vision 2020.

......

Karla Hershey United Nations Resident Coordinator UNDP Resident Representative

Page VII Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report is the outcome of the collective initiative and effort by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP-Lesotho), the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and Recreation (MGYSR) and the Bureau of Statistics (BOS) to undertake a baseline study on the state of youth in development in Lesotho. This survey was carried out under the Democratic Governance Thematic Trust Fund (DGTTF), Empowering Youth for Development Project.

The lead consultants in this exercise comprised Tšoamathe ‘Maseribane and Kamohelo Monyau who undertook the collection of primary data, its analysis and provided the fi rst draft of the chapters, results of the survey and a preliminary analysis. The key consultants were assisted by ‘Mamafe Mabetha, ‘Machere Seutloali, Mahopotsa Peete, Ntebaleng Nkuebe, ’Mamotena ‘Maseribane, Sebongile Dingiswayo and Makhasela Tjotsi. The review of the statistical methodology was undertaken by BOS under the supervision of Teboho Makhalane. The project was conceptualised and detailed in the Strategy and Policy Unity of UNDP in consultation with the Governance Unit of UNDP. The overall guidance of the project was provided by the Economic Advisor, Alka Bhatia and the project oversight and logistical support was provided by Setšabi Setšabi with support of ‘Manthatisi Matamane.

The publication of the Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey Report 2012 is the fruition of much hard work and support of many people and organisations. Valuable contributions to the report include the Government of Lesotho through its various ministries and departments, parastatals, agencies, development partners, civic organisations and the private sector, all of which provided data, feedback, and peer review.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page VIII LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Distribution of The Sample by Districts and Residence ...... 4 Table 3.1: Percentage Distribution of Lesotho Youth by Sex, Ecological Zones, ...... 6 Table 3.2: The Level of Single and Double Orphanhood Among Youth Under 18 Years Old – 2012 LYES ...... 7 Table 3.3: Percentage of Youth Under 18 Years Old, Who Are Orphaned by Single Years – 2012 LYES ...... 8 Table 3.5: The level of Single and Double Orphanhood among Youth Aged Under 18 by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 8 Table 3.7: Distribution of Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) by Pregnancy Experience and District – 2011 ...... 9 Table 3.8: Percentage Distribution of Ever Been Pregnant Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) ...... 10 Table 3.9: Percentage Distribution of Ever Been Pregnant Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) ...... 10 Table 3.10: Percentage Distribution of Ever Been pregnant Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) ...... 11 Table 3.11: Number of Reported Deaths in the Past 12 Months. 2011 LDS ...... 11 Table 4.1: Youth Enrolled in Lesotho’s Primary Schools by Age and Sex (2011) ...... 15 Table 4.2: Total Youth Enrolment at Secondary and High School Level by Age and Sex ...... 16 Table 4.3: Educational Qualifi cations of Youth by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 17 Table 4.4: Percentage of Level of Sesotho Literacy by Age - 2012 LYES ...... 18 Table 4.5: Percentage of Level of English Literacy by Age - 2012 LYES ...... 19 Table 4.6: Percentage Distribution of Youth’s Reasons for Dropping-out by Age - 2012 LYES...... 20 Table 4.7: Percentage Distribution of Youth’s Rating of Relevance of Lesotho’s Education System by Age ...... 20 Table 5.1.: Occupational Status of the Youth ...... 25 Table 6.1; Percentage Distribution of Principal Source of Food by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 32 Table 6.2: Number of Meals Eaten per Day – 2012 LYES ...... 33 Table 6.3: Frequency and Percentage of Times A day Eating Papa Only by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 33 Table 6.4: Table Frequency and Percentage of Times A day Eating Papa & One Vegetable Only by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 34 Table 6.5: Frequency and Percentage of Times A day Eating Papa & Two or More Vegetables by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 34 Table 6.6: Frequency and Percentage of Eating At Least One Protein a Day by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 35 Table 7.1: Source of Drinking Water by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 38 Table 7.2: Toilet Facility Used by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 39 Table 7.3: Main Fuel Type Used for Cooking by Residence – 2012 LYES...... 39 Table 7.7: Main Type of Fuel Used for Lighting by Urban/Rural Residence – 2012 LYES...... 41 Table 8.1: Percentage Distribution of Sexual Activity by Age at First Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 43 Table 8.2: Sexual Activity by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 44 Table 8.3: Sexual Activity by Sex and Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 44 Table 8.4: Consistent Condom Use by Number of Sexual Partners – 2012 LYES ...... 45 Table 8.5: Reasons for the Youth for Engaging in Commercial Sex Work – 2012 LYES ...... 46 Table 8.6: Percentage of Youth Who Have Ever Engaged in Commercial Sex Work by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 48 Table 8.7: Percentage of Youth Who Solicit Commercial Sex Services by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 48 Table 8.8: Percentage of Youth Who Solicit Commercial Sex Services by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 48 Table 8.9: Percentage of Youth Who Solicit Commercial Sex Services by Age – 2012, LYES ...... 49 Table 8.10: Incidence and Treatment of STIs by Residence – 2012 LYES...... 50 Table 8.11: Percentage Age Distribution of Incidence of STIs by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 51 Table 8.12: Percentage of Youth Who Know their HIV Status by Sex– 2012 LYES ...... 51 Table 8.13: Percentage of Respondents Who Know their HIV Status by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 51 Table 8.14: Percentage of Youth Who Know their HIV Status by District – 2012 LYES ...... 52 Table 8.15: Prevalence of HIV Among Youth by Age, Sex and Residence - 2009 ...... 52 Table 8.16: Percentage of Youth Smoking Tobacco by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 53 Table 8.17: Percentage of Youth Reasons for Smoking by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 53 Table 8.18: Percentage of Youth Drinking Alcohol by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 53 Table 8.19: Percentage of Youth Reasons for Drinking Alcohol by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 54 Table 8.20: Percentage of Youth Substance Use by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 54 Table 9. 1: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought by Age – 2012 LYES...... 59 Table 9.2: Rating of Health Services by Places/People Where Medical Help is Sought – 2012 LYES ...... 60 Table 9.3: Reasons for the Rating of Health Services – 2012 LYES ...... 60 Table 10.1: Sporting Activities by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 64 Table 10.2: Percentage of Youth Reporting Challenges Faced in Different Types of Sports – 2012 LYES ...... 65 Table 10.3: Percentage of Youth Suggesting Solutions Challenges Faced in Different Types of Sports – 2012 LYES ...... 65 Table 11.1: Reasons for Not Voting by Age Group – 2012 LYES...... 70

Page IX Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1: Lesotho’s Ecological Regions ...... 7 Figure 4.1: Distribution of Males and Females in Primary Schools ...... 15 Figure 4.2: Percentage Distribution of Youth In Secondary and High School by Sex ...... 16 Figure 4.3: Percentage Distribution of Youth School Attendance by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 19 Figure 7.1: Households’ Sources of Drinking Water – 2012 LYES ...... 37 Figure 7.2: Time Taken To and From Water Source – 2012 LYES ...... 38 Figure 7.3: Main Fuel Type Used for Heating – 2012 LYES ...... 40 Figure 7.4: Main Fuel Type Used for Heating by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 40 Figure 8.1: Consistent Condom Use by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 45 Figure 8.2: Consistent Condom Use by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 46 Figure 8.3: Percentage of Youth Who Engage in Commercial Sex Work by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 47 Figure 8.4: Percentage of Youth Who Engage in Commercial Sex Work by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 47 Figure 8.5: Purported Reasons for the Youth’s Engagement in Commercial Sex Work – 2012 LYES ...... 49 Figure 8.6: Opinion of the Youth about Commercial Sex Work – 2012 LYES ...... 50 Figure 9.1: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought – 2012 LYES ...... 57 Figure 9.2: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 58 Figure 9.3: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 58 Figure 9.4: Rating of Health Services – 2012 LYES ...... 59 Figure 10.1: Sporting Activities by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 62 Figure 10.2: Sporting Activities by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 63 Figure 11.1: Youth Cohort Membership of Political Parties – 2012 LYES ...... 67 Figure 11.2: Youth Participation in Parliament – 2012 LYES ...... 68 Figure 11.3: Voting Pattern by Age Group – 2012 LYES ...... 69 Figure 11.4: Reason for not Voting by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 70 Figure 11.5: Reason for not Voting by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 71 Figure 11.6: Cohort Participation Rates in Local Government ...... 71 Figure 11.7: Cohort Participation in Youth Organisations – 2012 LYES ...... 72 Figure 11.8: Cohort Participation in Faith Based Organisations – 2012 LYES ...... 73 Figure 11.9: Cohort Participation in NGOs – 2012 LYES ...... 74 Figure 11.10: Cohort participation in International Civil Society Movements by Age – 2012 LYES ...... 75 Figure 12.1: Ownership of Working Radio – 2012 LYES ...... 78 Figure 12.2: Access to Working Radio – 2012 LYES...... 79 Figure 12.3: Principal Uses of Working Radio – 2012 LYES ...... 80 Figure 12.4: Principal Uses of Working Radio by Sex – 2012 LYES ...... 80 Figure 12.5: Principal Uses of Working Radio by Residence ...... 81 Figure 12.6: Ownership of Working Television – 2012 LYES ...... 81 Figure 12.7: Access to Working Television – 2012 LYES ...... 82 Figure 12.8: Principal Uses of Working Television – 2012 LYES ...... 83 Figure 12.9: Ownership of a Working Computer – 2012 LYES ...... 84 Figure 12.10: Access to a Working Computer – 2012 LYES ...... 84 Figure 12.11: Principal Uses of Working Computer – 2012 LYES ...... 85 Figure 12.12: Ownership of Internet Connection – 2012 LYES ...... 86 Figure 12.13: Access to Internet Connection – 2012 LYES ...... 86 Figure 12.14: Principal Uses of the Internet – 2012 LYES ...... 87 Figure 12.15: Principal Uses of the Internet by Sex ...... 87 Figure 12.16: Principal Uses of the Internet by Residence – 2012 LYES ...... 88 Figure 12.17: Ownership of a Working Mobile phone – 2012 LYES ...... 88 Figure 12.18: Access to a Working Mobile phone ...... 89 Figure 12.19: Principal Uses of the Mobile Phone ...... 90 Figure 12. 20: Participation in Radio Debates – LYES 2012 ...... 91 Figure 12.21: Participation in Internet Debates – 2012 LYES ...... 92

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page X LIST OF ACRONYMS

BoS Bureau of Statistics DS Domain of Study EA Enumeration Area FBO Faith Based Organisation GDI Gender Development Index GDP Gross Domestic Product GEM Gender Empowerment Measure HDI Human Development Index HDR Human Development Report HIV/AIDS Human Immuno-defi ciency Virus/Acquired Immuno Defi ciency Syndrome ICSM International Civil Society Movements ICT Information and Communication Technology LVAC Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee LYES Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey MDGs Millennium Development Goals MGYSR Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation NGO Non Governmental Organisation NHDR National Human Development Report NYC National Youth Council PDI Poverty Development Index PPS Probability Proportional to Size PSU Primary Sampling Unit RA Research Assistant SPSS Statistical Package for Social Sciences SRS Simple Random Sampling SSU Second-stage Units ToRs Terms of Reference UNDP United Nations Development Programme WPAY World Programme of Action for Youth YDI Youth Development Index

Page XI Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 LIST OF DEFINITIONS

Youth

Youth in this survey refers to residents of Lesotho aged 15 to 35 as stipulated by the National Youth Policy and the African Youth Charter.

Household

In this survey a household refers to one person or a group of persons who live together and have common catering arrangements, whether or not they are related by blood or marriage. If two or more groups of persons live in the same dwelling unit and have separate living and eating arrangements, they are treated as separate households. The household facilitates interviewing and serves as the most convenient group of persons; for the purposes of this survey.

Stratifi ed Sampling

Stratifi ed sampling is a technique where the target population is divided into non-overlapping sub-populations or sub- groups, called strata. The units within each stratum should be homogeneous and the strata themselves should be as heterogeneous as possible to ensure that sample selection is representatively spread across important sub-populations (Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, 2005). In stratifi ed sampling, a sample of units selected from the entire population can be allocated to different strata by proportionate or disproportionate stratifi ed sampling.

Proportionate Stratifi ed Sampling

In proportionate stratifi ed sampling, the samples selected from strata are proportional to the size of the strata. The sampling fraction in each stratum is equal to the sampling fraction for the entire population. Normally, proportionate sampling is used when the overall estimates, e.g. national estimates are the objective of the survey.

Disproportionate Stratifi ed Sampling

In disproportionate stratifi ed sampling, samples selected from strata are not proportional to strata population. Selection probabilities or sampling fractions across strata are not equal as disproportionate sampling involves the deliberate use of different sampling rates for different strata. Disproportionate stratifi ed sampling is normally done to increase sample sizes for important subgroups of the population. It is used when sub-group domains have priority, or in cases where estimates for sub-national areas are wanted with equal reliabilities.

Two-Stage Sampling

Two-stage sampling is a technique where a selection of sample is done in two stages. The fi rst stage involves a selection of a sample of fi rst-stage units also called primary sampling units (PSUs) and the second stage involves a selection of a sample of second-stage units (SSUs) within the selected PSUs. A sampling frame with different sampling units is required for each stage, where at the fi rst stage a frame of PSUs may be defi ned, and at the second stage a frame of SSUs may be defi ned within the selected PSUs. A sample of PSUs can be selected using probability proportional to size (PPS) or simple random sampling, and a sample of SSUs can be selected using simple random sampling or systematic sampling.

Probability Proportional to Size

Probability proportional to size is the sampling technique where the probability of selecting a sampling unit, which could be a village, zone, district, or community council, is proportional to the unit size. The technique is most useful when the sampling units vary considerably in size because it ensures that the units with larger sizes have a bigger chance of being included in the sample. For this method to bring increased effi ciency, the measure of size needs to be accurate. Non-response

Non-response refers to many sources of failure to obtain responses on some or all questions in a survey questionnaire from eligible respondents. Sources of non-response involving the entire questionnaire in a survey may include the following:

(i) eligible respondent (youth) being absent from a selected household; (ii) refusals, where eligible respondents fail to cooperate and become hostile; and (iii) inability, which may refer to the eligible respondent being ill and not able to respond to questions for the entire survey period.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page XII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The youth survey was conducted in 2012 as a collaborative than females at primary school with the gap ranging from effort between the Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sports and 23.6 per cent in the 20-35 years age group to 51 per cent in Recreation (MGYSR) and the United Nations Development the 16 years age group. The patterns of school enrolment Programme (UNDP). The objective of the survey was to at secondary school level, however, reversed whereby there provide up-to-date information on the situation of youth and were more females than males. Signifi cant drop out rates their participation in governance structures and to make were observed from 78.3 per cent in the 15 – 17 year age recommendations on how youth could be better included group to 19.5 per cent in the 21 – 23 year age group. The in the decision-making and development of the country. principal reason reported for this drop out was the lack of From the perspective of MGYSR, this study would provide fi nances to continue schooling. This chapter also looks at an evidence base for the review of the National Youth Policy the literacy rates in the two offi cial languages of Sesotho and development of appropriate programmes for youth and English. The fi ndings show that 82 per cent of youth development. For UNDP this exercise was undertaken in could read with ease in Sesotho whereas only 54.2 per line with UNDAF Outcome 4: Governance institutions able cent could read with ease in English. This observation is to promote and sustain gender equality, public service worth noting given that most government communication delivery and human rights for all. is undertaken in English.

This report comprises 13 chapters. Chapter 1 introduces Chapter 5 looks at youth employment. The analysis the subject, the rationale and the objectives of the survey. undertaken in this chapter indicates at the time of the survey Chapter 2 comprises the Survey Methodology. The following 30.9 per cent of rural youth were seeking employment chapters look at various aspects of youth in development compared to 29.4 percent of urban youth. In addition, comprising: Youth Demography (Chapter 3), Education 23.2 percent of urban youth were currently employed as (Chapter 4), Employment (Chapter 5), Food Security opposed to only 13 percent of rural youth. Furthermore, (Chapter 6), Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Fuel only 3.0 percent of youth were self-employed, with the Usage (Chapter 7), Youth Vulnerabilities (Chapter 8 ), Health highest proportion found in the 21-23 age groups. Also, Services Utilisation (Chapter 9), Sports and Recreation, the majority of youth were employed in the private sector (Chapter 10) Governance and Youth Participation (Chapter (76.9 per cent) followed by those who were employed in 11), Information and Communication Technologies (Chapter government (16.2 per cent). The fi ndings further reveal the 12) a chapter 13 on Conclusions and Recommendations. youth unemployment rate was 30.5 per cent with the rural areas having the highest unemployment rate (36.4 per cent) In the methodology chapter, a representative sample was compared to 29.4 per cent in the urban areas. constructed from the BOS master sampling frame of 448,353 households wherein a total of 1,005 households Considering the length of time taken by youth to get a job were sampled. The structured questionnaire was the more males (57.0 per cent) than females (55.1 per cent) principal data collection instrument. The data was then spend over a year to get a job. The data also show that rural coded and processed using SPSS version 16 to create the youth take longer than their urban peers to get a job. The necessary tabulations and charts. The survey data was fi ndings also show that youth (49 per cent) have aspirations complemented with readily available compatible data from to own businesses but most (73.6 per cent) said they did the Lesotho Demographic Survey (LDS) 2011, Lesotho not open one because they lack the knowledge of opening Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS) 2009 and Education a business. Statistics 2011. The analysis undertaken disaggregated the data by age, residential location (urban/rural) and sex. Chapter 6 looks at the state of food security and food insecurity amongst the youth in Lesotho. The fi ndings Chapter 3 comprises an analysis of youth demographics in indicate that the main source of food for most youth Lesotho. The fi ndings indicate that Lesotho is experiencing households (57.3 per cent) is purchased food while 41 per a youth bulge wherein the youth (those aged between 15 cent of youth household indicated farming as their major and 35 years) comprise 39.8 per cent of the population. source of food and only 1.2 per cent reported food aid as The fi ndings further indicate more males than females their major source of food. No substantial differences were with approximately 107 males to every 100 females. found in patterns of acquiring food between females and Orphanhood, which is defi ned by the death of one or both males. However, signifi cant differences were observed parents of a youth under the age of 18 years, was found to between urban and rural areas where food purchases be a major challenge whereby 54.3 per cent of youth aged were the dominant form of acquisition of food for urban between 15 and 17 were orphaned. youth households while farming was the dominant form of acquisition of food for rural youth households. Chapter 4 presents some of the major fi ndings on youth and education. The survey results indicate that a fairly high The fi ndings also show that 34.2 per cent of youth reported proportion of youth reported having attended school though having two or less meals per day with signifi cant differences there were differences between urban and rural areas and between rural and urban youth wherein 79.2 per cent of between males and females. The fi ndings also indicate urban youth had 3 or more meals a day as against 62.9 that 10 per cent of pupils enrolled at primary school level per cent of rural youth. The fi ndings further indicate that were youth indicating a signifi cant lag in school progression a substantial share of youth (44.8 per cent) had at least among the youth. There were also signifi cantly more males one meal comprise papa only, (the local staple food cooked

Page XIII Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 from maize fl our). Finally, protein intake in daily meals was the poor rating of health services. found to be relatively low wherein 24.1 per cent of youth never had any protein in their daily meals. Chapter 10 looks at sports and recreation, as an important facet of youth development. In particular, the chapter Chapter 7 looks at youth households’ access to drinking looks at the sporting activities which youth participate in, water, sanitation and energy as factors contributing to the challenges they face in the different sporting activities better social well being and refl ective of the standard of and the proposed solutions to the challenges. The fi ndings living of the youth. In terms of access to water, 71 per cent of of the survey indicate that 54.2 per cent of youth did not youth indicated that they had access to piped water on their engage in any sports and recreational activities. Football, premises or from community facilities or a neighbour’s tap. netball and volley ball were the major sports that the youth Signifi cant differences were observed between urban and participated in. The fi ndings further indicate that there rural areas wherein 62.1 per cent of urban youth reported are very large disparities in patterns of participation in having access to piped water as against 6.5 per cent in rural sports between females and males wherein 66.8 per cent of areas. The fi ndings further indicate that 58.4 per cent of females indicated that they did not engage in any sports as youth accessed water within 15 minutes walking distance. compared to 36.2 per cent of males who indicated that they The fi ndings also revealed marked differences in terms did not participate in sports. The lack of sporting facilities of the principal types of cooking, lighting and heating in and professional trainers were cited, by the youth as some urban and rural areas. In the urban areas the principal of the major impediments to participation. source of lighting was electricity (65.8 per cent). Most rural youth households used fi rewood for cooking while urban Youth participation in governance is dealt with in Chapter households mainly used gas for cooking. In the rural areas 11. Here the key premise was that youth is a politically the principal sources of lighting were paraffi n (46.4 per defi nitive time in the human life course. The objective of cent) and candles (37.7 per cent). In the rural areas only this chapter is therefore to explore the extent to which 13.5 per cent of youth used electricity for lighting. The youth participate across several platforms of government main source of heating in rural areas was wood (58.9 per and civic organisations. The fi ndings indicate that at the cent) while the main source of heating in urban areas was national level, 36.1 per cent of youth were members of paraffi n (64.5 per cent). political parties, 25 per cent had regular interaction with their local parliamentarians, and 58.9 per cent had voted Chapter 8 looks at youth vulnerability in the context of in the 2012 general election. Those who did not vote cited their exposure to sex as a medium of transmitting HIV and non-registration (19.4 per cent), not having time to vote other sexually transmitted diseases, their use of tobacco, (21.9 per cent), and not having any concrete reason for alcohol and other harmful substances. The fi ndings of the voting (14.3 per cent) as their principal reasons. At the study indicate that 17.4 per cent of youth initiated sexual level of local government 46.9 per cent of youth noted that intercourse before the age of 16. According to the Sexual they had interacted, at one point or another with their local Offences Act 2003 this is not permissible. The survey councillor. The fi ndings of the study also indicate that youth results further indicate that 30.7 per cent of youth who were participated to varying degrees in youth organisations sexually active used condoms consistently, 23.4 per cent (25.8 per cent), faith-based organisations (33.1 per cent), indicated that they do not use condoms consistently; and non-governmental organisations (11.3 per cent) and in 45.8 per cent indicated that they were not currently sexually international civil society movements (7.4 per cent). active. A very small percentage of youth had engaged in commercial sex work, with an equal distribution between Chapter 12 begins from the premise that access to males and females. On the question of tobacco smoking, information is a key development facilitator for the youth. 20.8 per cent of youth indicated that they smoked as against The chapter therefore looks at the levels of ownership, 79.2 per cent who indicated that they did not smoke. Stress access and use of various Information and Communication release and peer pressure were the key reasons for smoking Technologies (ICTs), both old and new comprising the radio, among the youth accounting for 44.4 per cent and 37.5 per television, computers, internet and mobile telephones. The cent respectively. Similar patterns are observed on drinking key fi ndings of the survey indicate that 55 per cent of youth alcohol where 19.7 per cent reported that they drank alcohol owned a working radio which was principally used to listen as against 80.3 per cent of youth who indicated that they did to current affairs. The fi ndings further indicate that 23 per not drink alcohol. Only 4.0 per cent of youth indicated that cent of youth owned a television which was principally used they used other substances including narcotics to get high. for watching entertainment programmes. Only 7.4 per cent of youth owned a computer and only 13.8 per cent had access Chapter 9 looks at health services utilisation by youth. The to one. The primary uses of the computer were found to be fi ndings of the survey indicate that 91.2 per cent of youth entertainment (44.5per cent) and school related activities sought health services from clinics and hospitals. The rest (40.2 per cent). The survey further found that among youth sought health services primarily from private doctors or who had access to internet connections (7.1 per cent), the nurses, traditional healers, spiritual healers, family and principal use of the internet was social networking. The friends. There was not much disparity between health ICT most accessible to the youth was found to be the mobile seeking patterns of female youth and male youth. Youth phone whereby 74.3 per cent of youth owned one and were also asked to rate the quality of services that they principally used it for social networking. received from health services and 61 per cent rated them as good or just alright, while 27.3 per cent rated them either poor or very poor. Those who rated the services as either poor or very poor were asked to explain their rating. Rude or unfriendly health workers, slow service delivery and shortage of drugs were cited as key factors contributing to

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page XIV CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background The key message is that the youth are an increasingly abundant and important asset for development, which if Over the last few years youth has moved to take its properly guided and given an opportunity to explore and rightful position in academic and policy discourse. A unleash its potential could constitute a major comparative signifi cant shift is recognisable from a focus on youth as advantage and a force for positive change (Garcia and Fares, a period of turbulence in the human life cycle, to a focus 2008). At the same time one cannot ignore the enormity of on adolescents and young adults, not only as abridge the challenges they face including growing up in conditions with future generations, but also as “… powerful agents of mass unemployment, lack of education and skills, social of change in society” (Bloom, 2010: 7). In the words of exclusion, poverty, the AIDS pandemic, marginalization in Delgado and Staples (2008) “...a youth-development or state policies, weak legal position and over-representation youth-led paradigm has emerged, effectively transforming in armed rebel or insurgent movements of various kinds young people from their traditional roles as consumers, as well as in criminal activities (Abbink and Kessel, 2005). victims, perpetrators, and needy clients to positive assets who are quite capable of being major contributors within In line with the recent discussions at the UN and African their respective communities” (p.6). Union, as well as in Lesotho, there is an increasing recognition that the youth should be given greater focus There is, therefore, a growing recognition that youth are as they have the potential to contribute signifi cantly to stakeholders in the engineering of political and economic political and socio-economic advancement. The African systems that address their aspirations, offer them hope Union Constitutive Act and the African Union Commission for the future and facilitate the meeting of their needs for a Strategic Plan 2004 – 2007 gave due priority to youth decent standard of living (Bloom, 2010). development and empowerment. They underscored the importance of youth participation and involvement in the Different countries often use different age cohorts as development of the continent. The AU has since developed comprising youth. This often complicates international a policy framework in the form of the African Youth Charter, comparisons across studies on youth. The United Nations which prescribes responsibilities to member States for the generally adopted the 15 to 24 age cohorts as comprising development of youth. youth, though this is not universally accepted. In Lesotho the youth cohort comprises of people aged 15 to 35 years. The African Youth Charter does not only provide the A quick look at the statistics indicates that youth globally, governments, youth, civil society and international partners comprise 18.6 per cent of the global population, which with a continental framework, which underlines to the translates to 1.3 billion people. In Sub-Saharan Africa rights, duties and freedoms of youth, but, it also paves the proportion of youth comprises 28.0 per cent of the the way for the development of national programmes and population. In Lesotho the youth comprise 38.9 per cent of strategic plans for their empowerment. The government the population. If the 15 to 24 aged group was used to defi ne of Lesotho demonstrates this recognition by ensuring that youth in Lesotho then they comprise 23.6 per cent of the issues affecting the youth are integrated as a cross-cutting population (2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey (LDS)). theme in the ongoing formulation of the National Strategic Development Plan (2012 – 2017). In recognition of the Youth in Lesotho are faced with a plethora of challenges. strategic importance of youth involvement in governance Among the key challenges they face are: and development of the country, the parliament of Lesotho unanimously passed the National Youth Council Act, 2008. 1. Lack of voice and low levels of political participation, The Act allows for the design of youth programmes to which are closely linked to social exclusion; address the needs of the youth, thus offering guarantee of youth involvement in the decision-making processes that 2. Unemployment among Lesotho’s youth is often in the affect the youth in particular. The passage of the National range of 30.0 per cent and above the national rate of Youth Act in 2008 and the subsequent approval of the 25.3 per cent; and National Youth Council Regulations in 2009 was a collective effort by both ruling and opposition parties. 3. The HIV and AIDS epidemic has become a key health and development challenge affecting the youth. Lesotho fi rst developed a Youth Policy in 2003. The policy however needs to be updated in line with the African Youth Whilst they face formidable health and development Charter and is therefore currently under review. However challenges they also have key strengths that can be the successful establishment and launching of the National leveraged including: Youth Council (NYC) in 2012, to ensure that the principle on 1. Resilience in the face of adversity often associated with which the NYC was founded, that is, a collective desire to the resourcefulness of youth; include all Basotho youth and their concerns in the national agenda, is upheld. The NYC is a representative body that 2. In their sheer numbers youth comprise an untapped will coordinate all youth related programmes and increase development resource which needs to be empowered. the visibility of youth in decision-making.

Page 1 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 1.2 Rationale of the Survey 1.4 Report Outline

The Government of Lesotho and the UN recognise the critical This report comprises 12 chapters, excluding this role youth empowerment plays in the political and socio- introductory chapter. Chapter 2 comprises the Survey economic advancement inclusive of human development Methodology. The following chapters look at various of Lesotho. It is therefore important to have up-to-date aspects of youth in development comprising the following: information on the situation of the youth in Lesotho and Youth Demography (Chapter 3), Education (Chapter their participation in the governance structures as well as 4), Employment (Chapter 5), Food Security (Chapter 6), recommendations on how the youth could be better included Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Fuel Usage in the decision-making processes and development of the (Chapter 7), Youth Vulnerabilities (Chapter 8 ), Health country. A vast body of empirical literature demonstrates Services Utilisation (Chapter 9) Sports and Recreation, the benefi ts of youth empowerment. Therefore, this (Chapter 10) Governance and Youth Participation (Chapter survey will in essence assist Lesotho to gauge the stance 11), Information and Communication Technologies (Chapter of its youth as far as governance and decision making are 12) and Conclusion and Recommendations (Chapter 13). concerned. This will also enhance evidence-based decision making and interventions concerning the youth of Lesotho. This research project is amongst some of the initiatives to advance youth empowerment in Lesotho.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this research project is to provide up- to-date information on the situation of the youth in Lesotho and their participation in the governance structures, ultimately giving recommendations on how the youth could be better included in the decision-making processes and development of the country. The information generated will provide basis for appropriate interventions for youth empowerment in Lesotho.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 2 CHAPTER 2 SURVEY METHODOLOGY

2.1. Introduction It can be deduced from the preceding discussion that in this particular case, N = 448,353. The aim was to determine the The 2012 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey (LYES) sample size that would yield estimates at a desired level of utilised quantitative data in order to enhance the accuracy precision. In principle, the higher the precision aspirations, and quality of data collected. The questionnaires were the larger would be the sample, the time needed to collect administered by trained research assistants under close the sample data as well as other associated costs and supervision of the consultants. These were coupled with resources. Bearing that in mind, the tolerable margin of constant consultations with the client and stakeholders error of point estimates for this particular survey is set at to discuss and agree on the processes and necessary a low of 3.0 per cent, which means that estimates derived logistics at all stages of the survey, including preferred from this sample are not expected to be in error by more methodological approaches to the study. than 3.0 percent. Alternatively, the estimates derived from this sample are expected to be correct at least 97.0 per cent of the time. This therefore serves as the measure of 2.2. Sampling and Sampling Procedure reliability. Assuming Simple Random Sampling (SRS) and the following values of the parameters, the sample size The survey targeted the various segments of the youth of that will yield results at the 97.0 per cent confi dence level is Lesotho aged 15 to 35 years. To ensure representativeness calculated as follows: they were drawn from all the ten districts of Lesotho, inclusive of urban and rural areas. p   0.5 q  p q 1 p  0.5 2.2.1. Sampling Frame    3.0%  2 (0.03)2     0.000225 The survey employed a representative sample, which was 4 4 selected from the sample frame created by the Bureau of Statistics (BoS) from the 2006 Lesotho Population and Npq n  Housing Census. The sample design for the survey is a (N 1)  pq stratifi ed multi-stage cluster sampling and the districts (448353)(0.5)(0.5) were considered as domains of the survey upon which  n  stratifi cation was considered by rural and urban areas. (448353 1)(0.000225)  (0.5)(0.5) Therefore, Enumeration Areas (EAs), which served as 112088.25 Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), were selected at the So, n   1108.3668  1109 fi rst stage with probability proportional to size such that 101.1292 population in the EAs served as the measure of size. In Therefore, the sample size that will yield the required 3.0 per order to achieve this, a frame of EAs was taken from the cent precision level is 1,109 households. The districts were BoS national master sampling frame designed from the predetermined by the client but, to select representative 2006 Population and Housing Census. However, households households proportional representation was used, through within the selected EAs were selected in the second stage which the total random sample of 1,109 households using systematic sampling. comprises households from each district in proportions of their sizes relative to the total number of households in the 2.2.2. Sample Size Determination 10 districts.

Using the BoS national master sampling frame, the total 2.2.3. Allocation of the Sample number of households per district was aggregated and it added up to 448,353. This is the population size from Having determined the size of the sample as n = 1,109 which a representative sample was selected. The following households and proposing a systematic selection of 8 sampling parameters need to be clearly defi ned in the households from each EA, the required number of sampled context of this survey as a way of illustrating the actual EAs was determined to be: process of selecting the sample in the survey:

1109 n N  7KHWRWDOQXPEHURIKRXVHKROGVLQ/HVRWKR Z    138.625  139  8 sample households per EA Ni  7KHWRWDOQXPEHURIKRXVHKROGVLQGLVWULFW i ZKHUH i 1,2,3,...,10  . n  7KHWRWDOQXPEHURIVHOHFWHGKRXVHKROGVLQWKHGLVWULFWV

ni  7KHWRWDOQXPEHURIVHOHFWHGKRXVHKROGVLQGLVWULFW i ZKHUH i 1,2,3,...,10 

The total number of households in Lesotho

Page 3 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 7KHVH($VZHUHDOORFDWHGWRWKHGLVWULFWVLQSURSRUWLRQWRWKHLU disaggregate the sample size per district. This was also used

N h to disaggregate the sample size per district by urban and SRSXODWLRQVDVREWDLQHGLQSRSXODWLRQFHQVXV7KXV z  139  h N rural areas as shown in Table 2.1. In the fi nal stage, random DQGZLWKLQDGLVWULFWWKHDOORFDWLRQRI($VZDVDOVRLQSURSRUWLRQWRWKH walk sampling was employed to attain the selected number SRSXODWLRQRIWKHVXEVWUDWXPDQGWKHLUVHOHFWLRQZLWKSUREDELOLWLHV of households within selected EAs. Research assistants

N hi were assigned EAs detailing the number of households to SURSRUWLRQDOWRVL]HZLWKLQHDFKVXEVWUDWXP7KXV hi   zh VDPSOH N h be selected within EAs. This was accompanied by EA maps th ($VLQ h VXEVWUDWXP and villages within them. Upon arrival at an EA the research assistants under close observation of the supervisors were instructed to follow a specifi ed path of travel to select the households to interview. A random interval of 4 was As earlier mentioned, only up to 8 households were selected used to select a household, that is, the research assistant from each selected EA in a district and the number of EAs selected every 4th household, then screened the household selected per district was in proportion to the size of the to ascertain the presence of the target population (youth). population of that district and this is shown in Table 2.1. We Each qualifying household was interviewed for the survey had at our disposal a complete list of numbered EAs used in until the selected number of households per EA was the 2006 Population and Housing Census, therefore for each attained. This methodology is often justifi ed as a way to district, an EA sampling interval was calculated by dividing avoid the costly and time-consuming expense of listing all the total number of EAs in that district by the number of the households in the EA as a prior stage before selecting EAs required for that district. For instance, for the Botha- the ones to be interviewed. It is also justifi ed on the grounds Bothe district, column (6) shows that every 36th EA in the that non-response is limited since the research assistants district was selected starting with the fi rst one on the list. continue beyond non-responding households or households Each of the EAs selected was identifi ed and listed for each without a youth until enough households are interviewed district to be used by research assistants and supervisors. to attain the number of randomly selected number of households within EAs. The technique is unbiased as long 2.2.4. Selection of Households and as the starting point along the path of travel is determined Respondents randomly. One eligible respondent was interviewed in each selected household. Members of the selected households were listed with their exact birth dates to ascertain eligibility The population of households yielded a sample of 1,109 for interviewing. The fi rst youth on the household schedule households, and proportional representation was used to was selected as eligible for the survey.

Table 2.1: Distribution of the Sample by Districts and Residence

District Total Population Total Required EA Proportions Sample Size by Households Proportions Number of EAs Sampling of Urban Proportional (per cent) EAs Interval Populations Representation (per cent) (households)

Total Urban Rural (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) = (4)/(5) (7) (8) (9) (10) Botha Bothe 26,057 5.8 289 8 36 12.9 64 8 56 Leribe 70,026 15.6 724 21 34 19.2 173 33 140 Berea 50,873 11.3 476 15 32 24.6 126 31 95 Maseru 128,256 28.6 1243 40 31 45.8 317 145 172 Mafeteng 44,531 9.9 466 14 33 16.7 110 18 92 Mohale’s Hoek 38,923 8.7 492 12 41 16.0 96 15 81 Quthing 25,499 5.7 275 8 34 11.1 63 7 56 Qacha’s Nek 14,856 3.3 170 5 34 11.7 37 4 33 Thaba-Tseka 28,205 6.3 309 9 34 5.2 70 4 66 Mokhotlong 21,127 4.7 267 7 38 9.0 52 5 48

Total 448,353 100.0 4,711 139 23.3 1,109 270 839

2.3. Data Collection The secondary data was sourced from the 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey and the 2009 Lesotho Demographic and A questionnaire administered by the research assistants to Health Survey data sets. To capture primary data, research the respondents selected into the sample was the principal assistants administered structured questionnaires face-to- data collection instrument for the primary data. face to the sampled youth in the ten districts of Lesotho. The questionnaires designed refl ected the priority areas

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 4 within the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY), the 2.5.2. Offi ce Editing and Coding of the African Youth Charter and related documents. Furthermore, contributions from various stakeholders were solicited to Questionnaires fi ne tune the questionnaire, such that it refl ected the needs of Lesotho and is nationally owned. The questionnaire also Offi ce editors and coders were trained on editing and had a Sesotho version to assist the research assistants in coding the data to further improve data quality. Coding administering the questionnaires correctly. enhanced data entry of the open ended responses. The editing involved ensuring that questionnaire identifi cation, A pilot survey preceded the main survey, as a way of in terms of district, urban/rural is correct. The coding and testing the research process: the questionnaires, data editing also included completeness and accuracy checks of processing and analysis approach. The research process the questionnaires and checking for consistency between was tested for validity and correctness and necessary related data items. amendments made. Research assistants were trained on the questionnaires and then sent out to pilot the tools. The team then reconvened to discuss issues that came out in the interviews such as the fl ow and wording of 2.5.3. Data Entry the questionnaire. The fi lled questionnaires were then forwarded to the data programmer to test the data entry Data entry screens and programs for quantitative data were screens and make necessary corrections as per the pan out prepared prior to the pilot survey and arrival of the completed of the data. After the necessary adjustments were made questionnaires from the fi eld during the main survey. Data the main survey took off. Prior to this, letters of notifi cation entry screens and programs were prepared using the were sent to the relative authorities all over the country Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. informing them about the survey to authenticate the survey Data clerks were familiarised with the questionnaires and and enhance the response rate. the data entry screen prior to data entry to enhance smooth data entry. Data entry involved the initial data entry, data verifi cation and subsequent modifi cation of data, where 2.4. Response Rate deemed necessary. The data capturing exercise was done under close supervision and data fi les were backed up. A high response rate is crucial to facilitate acquisition of accurate information of the situation of youth in Lesotho. The survey had a sample size of 1,109 households and respondents, however, 1,005 households and respondents 2.5.4. Verifi cation were covered due to heavy rains which made some areas Verifi cation is a process of double entry of data from the same inaccessible. This bears a response rate of 91 percent, questionnaire, resulting in two data fi les for comparison of which is adequate for analysis. At least 90 per cent is entries. A minimum of 10.0 per cent of questionnaires were desirable in a survey. It is also worth noting that the double-entered to ensure data quality. Inconsistencies tolerable margin of error, which measures the precision of were identifi ed and rectifi ed. Inconsistencies and the estimates for generalisation to the total population, has not differences that were identifi ed between the two data fi les been signifi cantly affected by this level of non-response as were corrected. it is now 3.15 per cent – a decline in precision of just 0.15 per cent. 2.5.5. Electronic Editing and Cleaning

2.5. Data Processing Prior to the production of tables, the data was electronically edited to check for errors such as missing data, wrong Data processing involved fi eld editing, offi ce editing and entries and inconsistency between data items. This was to coding of the questionnaires, data entry, verifi cation and ensure that the data is of the highest standard possible. modifi cation, electronic editing, and production of tables.

2.5.6. Data Documentation and Linkage 2.5.1. Field Editing of the Questionnaires All questionnaires underwent preliminary editing in the The quantitative data sets stored in SPSS were submitted to fi eld. This was another way of facilitating data quality the client thus facilitating easy access to the data by users. so that errors or incomplete information or missing information can be spotted and corrected in the fi eld before the questionnaires are sent to the consultants’ offi ce. This 2.6. Analysis and Report Writing way, expensive and time-wasting trips back to the fi eld were avoided. Corrections were quickly and effi ciently carried The quantitative data obtained was analysed using SPSS out since research assistants were still in the fi eld. version 16 where univariate and bivariate analysis were run. The results are presented in tables and graphs so that patterns and differentials in the data can be easily made out. The analysed data formed basis for the subsequent writing of the analytical report.

Page 5 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 CHAPTER 3 YOUTH DEMOGRAPHY

3.1. Introduction Lesotho are often compiled according to three main spatial criteria: (i) urban-rural distribution; (ii) ecological zone; and One of Lesotho’s greatest resources is its youth population. (iii) Lesotho’s 10 administrative districts. Table 3.1 shows The extent to which it can be harnessed can play a major role the percentage distribution of the youth by sex, urban- in achieving the goals of greater prosperity, sustainability, rural residence, ecological zones, district and sex ratio as health and security as outlined in Lesotho’s Vision 2020 presented in the fi ndings of the 2011 LDS. and the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP). This chapter presents the state of Lesotho’s youth demography. It covers the principal areas of youth population distribution, According to the 2011 LDS, Lesotho had a population of household headship, orphanhood, marital status, fertility, 1,894,194 individuals in 2011. The data presented in Table mortality and disability. 3.1 indicates that Lesotho’s population is experiencing a ‘youth bulge’. A youth bulge is defi ned as a situation where more than 20 per cent of a country’s population comprises 3.2. Youth Population Distribution young people (UNDP, 2010). Lesotho’s youth population was estimated at 754, 468 in the 2011 LDS. This constitutes 39.8 It is important to understand the youth population per cent of the total population. The same report indicates distribution as this can facilitate strategic planning and that slightly more than half of the youth population (51.2 per direction of resources as well as planning for human cent) are aged 15 to 23 years. development. The patterns of population distribution in

Table 3.1: Percentage Distribution of Lesotho Youth by Sex, Urban-Rural Residence, Ecological Zones, District, Sex Ratio and Percentage Share – 2011

Sex Ratio Residence Male Female (Males to Per cent share Total females) Urban/Rural Urban 45.5 54.5 83.6 27.1 204,687 Rural 53.8 46.2 116.5 72.9 549,781

Ecological zones Lowlands 49.9 50.1 99.7 58.7 442,784 Foothill 54.6 45.4 120.2 11.4 85,880 Mountain 53.6 46.4 115.3 20.7 155,909 Senqu River Valley 53.9 46.1 116.9 9.3 69,894

District Botha-Bothe 52.3 47.7 109.6 5.6 42,608 Leribe 51.0 49.0 104.0 17.4 131,505 Berea 50.4 49.6 101.7 14.9 112,156 Maseru 48.8 51.2 95.4 22.3 168,567 Mafeteng 55.0 45.0 122.1 9.2 69,656 Mohale’s Hoek 53.5 46.5 115.1 9.2 69,376 Quthing 54.1 45.9 118.1 6.5 49,183 Qacha’s Nek 53.7 46.3 116.1 3.3 24,611 Mokhotlong 52.9 47.1 112.1 5.3 40,132 Thaba-Tseka 52.4 47.6 110.2 6.2 46,673 Per cent 51.6 48.4 106.5 100 Lesotho (N) 389,109 365,359 754,468

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 6 The defi nition of urban population in Lesotho comprises 3.3. Household Headship all people living in the 13 areas designated and gazetted as urban areas comprising Maseru, Teyatetyaneng, Maputsoe, Household headship is an important aspect in society as Hlotse, Botha-Bothe, Mokhotlong, Thaba Tseka, Qacha’s it determines a person’s responsibility within a household Nek, Moyeni, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek and and ability to make decision. The objective of this section Semonkong. All other areas outside these designated is to fi nd out the extent to which youth have taken up this areas are classifi ed as rural. The 2011 LDS indicates that responsibility. The data that pertains to household headship the youth population of Lesotho is predominantly rural, was drawn from the 2011 LDS. This survey indicates that wherein 72.9 per cent reside in the rural areas while 27.1 16.5 per cent of youth were heads of households. The same per cent reside in the urban areas. report further indicates that 12.4 per cent of the youth headed households in Lesotho are male lead as compared Lesotho is often sub-divided into four ecological zones to 4.1 per cent that were headed by females. Also worth comprising the lowlands, the foothills, the mountain areas noting is that 11.4 per cent of the youth household heads and the Senqu River Valley. Their approximate boundaries had never been married. There is also an indication that are indicated in Figure 3.1 below. those considered children (that is those aged 15-17) were also hehads of households even though their percentage was very low (0.4 per cent). Figure 3.1: Lesotho’s Ecological Regions 3.4. Orphanhood

The Lesotho UNGASS Report (2012) indicates that in 2011 there were an estimated 191,569 orphans in Lesotho and that for 68 per cent of all orphans, HIV and AIDS was the major cause for orphanhood. The report however, does not breakdown the statistics to enable the determination of the proportion of these orphans who are youth. Orphanhood is defi ned as a situation whereby an individual below the age of 18 years has lost, through death one or both parents. It is important to note that whilst the defi nition of youth in Lesotho covers the age groups 15 – 35 years, the concept of orphanhood as used in this analysis is restricted to young people below the age of 18.

Tables 3.2 to Table 3.5 show the percentage of youth aged below 18 years by their parents’ survival indicating The 2011 LDS data presented in Table 3.1 shows that 38.7 prevalence of orphanhood. per cent of youth reside in the lowlands, 9.3 per cent reside in the mountain areas, while the foothills and the Senqu Table 3.2: The Level of Single and Double River Valley account for 11.4 per cent and 20.7 per cent of Orphanhood Among Youth Under 18 Years Old – the youth population respectively. 2012 LYES

For administrative purposes, Lesotho is subdivided into 10 Don’t Know districts comprising Maseru, Botha-Bothe Leribe, Berea, Whether Parents’ Father Paternal Father Total Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing, Qacha’s Nek, Mokhotlong Livelihood Status Alive Orphan and Thaba Tseka. When the data was disaggregated by Is Alive/ district, Maseru district had the highest percentage of youth Deceased at 22.3 per cent followed by the Leribe and Berea districts Mother Alive 45.7 27.0 0.0 72.7 at 17.4 per cent and 14.9 per cent respectively (2011 LDS). On the other hand, Qacha’s Nek district had the smallest Maternal Orphan 9.6 17.4 0.4 27.4 percentage of youth estimated at 3.3 per cent followed by Mokhotlong and Botha-Bothe districts at 5.3 per cent and Total 55.3 44.4 0.4 100 5.6 per cent respectively.

The fi ndings of the 2011 LDS indicate more males than The data presented in Table 3.2 shows that 45.7 per cent females in the calculation of youth sex ratio, with roughly 107 of the youth still had both parents. This indicates that 54.3 males for every 100 females. The analysis further indicates per cent of youth aged below 18 years were orphaned, that 51.6 per cent of the youth population comprised males wherein 17.4 per cent were double orphans. The results of while 48.4 per cent constituted females. This apparent the survey also show that 9.6 per cent of the youth were excess of males over females is more prominent in the rural maternal orphans while 27.0 per cent of the youth were areas where there were approximately 117 males for every paternal orphans. The data presented further indicates that 100 females. However, the reverse was found to be the case 0.4 per cent of the maternal orphans did not know whether in the urban areas where there were about 84 males for their fathers are deceased or still alive. All in all, 72.6 per every 100 females. cent of the youth still had their mothers alive while only 55.2 per cent of them still had their fathers alive. This indicates a possibility of high male mortality compared to female mortality.

Page 7 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 3.3 shows the level of orphanhood in the age cohorts from among youth aged 15 to 17 years.

Table 3.3: Percentage of Youth Under 18 Years Old, Who Are Orphaned by Single Years – 2012 LYES Maternal Maternal orphans don’t know Paternal Age Both Parents Alive Double Orphans Orphans whether father alive Orphans 15 46.7 8.9 1.1 30.0 13.3

16 49.4 10.4 0.0 23.4 16.9

17 39.7 9.5 0.0 27.0 23.8

15 – 17 45.7 9.6 0.4 27.0 17.4

The data presented in Table 3.3 indicates that paternal were double orphans and this orphanhood status was orphanhood was higher than maternal orphanhood for all highest among 17-year-old youth as 23.8 per cent of them ages (15 – 17) but, it was particularly higher among youth were double orphans. aged 15 years as 30.0 per cent of them were paternal orphans while 8.9 per cent of them were maternal orphans. The distribution of orphanhood was also examined to Furthermore, 13.3 per cent of 15-year-old youth were capture differences between male and female interviewees double orphans while 16.9 per cent of 16-year-old youth and the results are summarised in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4: Percentage of Youth Under 18 Years Old, Who Are Orphaned by Sex – 2012 LYES

Sex Both Parents Maternal Maternal Orphans. Don’t Know Paternal Double Orphans Alive Orphans Whether Father Alive Orphans Male 37.0 13.7 0.0 27.4 21.9 Female 49.7 7.6 0.6 26.8 15.3 Both Sexes 45.7 9.6 0.4 27.0 17.4

The data presented in Table 3.4 indicate that the percentages The levels of double orphanhood among males and females of males and females who were maternal orphans were were signifi cantly different among the sexes as 21.9 per cent signifi cantly different as 13.7 per cent of males were of males and 15.3 per cent of females were double orphans. maternal orphans compared to 7.6 per cent of females. In examining the portion of youth who were paternal orphans, Table 3.5 shows the proportions of youth who were single it can be seen that a greater percentage of males were orphans and those who were double orphans within the paternal orphans (27.4 per cent) in relation to their female urban and rural subpopulations, respectively. counterparts of whom 26.8 per cent were paternal orphans.

Table 3.5: The level of Single and Double Orphanhood among Youth Aged Under 18 by Residence – 2012 LYES Maternal Maternal Orphan. Doesn’t Paternal Both Parents Alive Double Orphan Orphan Know Whether Father Alive Orphan

Urban 39.5 5.3 0.0 42.1 13.2 Rural 46.9 10.4 0.5 24.0 18.2 Lesotho 45.7 9.6 0.4 27.0 17.4

The fi ndings indicate signifi cant urban-rural differentials in cent of rural youth were double orphans. It becomes very the proportion of youth who were maternal orphans. While apparent that the level of paternal orphanhood was higher 5.3 per cent of urban youth were maternal orphans 10.4 in the urban areas while in contrast, the level of maternal per cent of rural youth were maternal orphans. In as far orphanhood was higher in the rural areas. On the other as paternal orphanhood is concerned,it si noted that 42.1 hand, the level of double orphanhood was higher in the rural percent of urban youth were paternal orphans and 24.0 populations. However, rural areas had a generally higher percent of rural youth were paternal orphanst. However, in parent survivorship rate compared to the urban areas. as far as double orphanhood is considered, the differences are such that 13.2 per cent of urban youth and 18.2 per

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 8 3.5. Marital Status it often determines exposure to child bearing and related issues. Table 3.6 shows marital status of youth in Lesotho. Marriage is often an important stage in a person’s life as

Table 3.6: Distribution of Lesotho Youth by Sex and Marital Status – 2011 Marital status Male Female Both Sexes Total Never married 35.1 23.9 59.0 445,194 Married 15.1 21.1 36.2 272,629 Living together 0.1 0.1 0.2 1,262 Separated 0.8 1.4 2.2 16,459 Divorced 0.1 0.2 0.4 2,648 Widowed 0.4 1.7 2.1 15,536 Don’t know 0.1 0.0 0.1 740

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey

The 2011 LDS indicates that almost three-fi fths (59.0 per population was fi rst married when they were below 18 cent) of the youth had never been married with more males years of age. (35.1 per cent) in this category than females (23.9 per cent). It has also been found that 36.1 per cent of the youth were married and 15.1 per cent of them were males while 21.1 3.6. Youth Fertility per cent were females. Therefore, on aggregate there were Fertility is the total number of live births a woman has had more married female youth than male youth. On the other throughout her reproductive years. Fertility related activities hand, 4.7 per cent of the youth had been previously married, among the youth are discussed in this section, whereby with 2.2 per cent of them separated, 0.4 per cent divorced issues of pregnancy and child-bearing are investigated and 2.1 per cent widowed. The 2012 LYES indicates fi rst among the young population aged 15 to 35. Table 3.7 marriage occurs at an early age of as low as 12 years of shows the percentage of female youth who have ever been age. The fi ndings indicate that 8.2 per cent of the youth pregnant from each of the ten districts of Lesotho.

Table 3.7: Distribution of Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) by Pregnancy Experience and District – 2011 Ever been pregnant District Yes No Not available for questioning Total Botha-Bothe 58.2 40.8 1.0 20,327 Leribe 55.0 42.5 2.4 64,467 Berea 50.6 46.3 3.1 55,616 Maseru 55.3 42.9 1.8 86,272 Mafeteng 56.7 38.7 4.6 31,360 Mohales Hoek 58.7 40.0 1.3 32,254 Quthing 57.8 41.5 0.7 22,552 Qachas Nek 56.3 43.0 0.7 11,388 Mokhotlong 53.0 45.1 1.9 18,920 Thaba-Tseka 57.0 40.9 2.1 22,203 Per cent (per cent) 55.3 42.5 2.2 Lesotho (N) 201,959 155,454 7,946 365,359

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey

Table 3.7 shows that 55.3 per cent of youth had ever been Data was also collected on the distribution of female pregnant and 2.2 per cent were not available for questioning pregnancy in relation to school attendance. According at the time of enumeration. A cross-district analysis to the 2011 LDS, it has become important to examine indicates fairly little variation between the districts where pregnancy against school attendance because it is a known the highest recorded level of pregnancy among female fact that some schools would not allow pregnant female youth was in Mohale’s Hoek (58.7per cent) while Berea students to proceed with school instead they are forced to recorded the least percentage of female youth who had ever quit schooling and become young mothers. The results are been pregnant at 50.6 per cent. depicted in Table 3.8 which shows the percentage of female youth who had ever been pregnant in relation to their school attendance. The data presented indicates that 94.1

Page 9 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 per cent of females that had ever been pregnant had left pregnant female youth who had never attended school. school while only 4.6 per cent of them were still attending. However, with regard to those who fell pregnant and were still attending school, Berea district ranked highest with In examining the data across the districts as depicted in about 6.1 per cent of. Qacha’s Nek had the lowest share of Table 3.8, it is observed that the district of Quthing had the female students who fell pregnant and was still attending highest proportion of 2.4 per cent of ever pregnant female school. Leribe district was observed with the highest fi gure youth who had never attended school. In contrast, Berea (96.1 per cent) of female youth who had ever been pregnant had the lowest proportion of about 1.0 per cent of ever and had left school.

Table 3.8: Percentage Distribution of Ever Been Pregnant Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) by School Attendance and District – 2011 School attendance District Never Attended Still Attending Left School Total Botha-Bothe 1.3 5.7 93.0 11,829 Leribe 0.5 3.5 96.1 35,472 Berea 1.0 6.1 92.9 28,141 Maseru 1.4 5.4 93.2 47,684 Mafeteng 1.8 3.9 94.3 17,765 Mohales Hoek 1.6 3.5 94.9 18,946 Quthing 2.4 4.9 92.7 13,038 Qachas Nek 1.3 5.1 93.6 64,11 Mokhotlong 2.3 3.3 94.4 10,025 Thaba-Tseka 1.6 2.7 95.8 12,648 Per cent (per cent) 1.3 4.6 94.1 Lesotho (N) 2,679 9,215 190,065 201,959

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey

According to the 2011 LDS, ‘early adolescent marriage is noted that in all the districts 95.9 percent actually had live reduces girls’ educational opportunities, forces them on births. The 4.1 per cent who had not had live births could a path toward early childbearing which results in health be as a result of abortions (legal and illegal), stillbirths, risk, including maternal mortality, and often locks them or miscarriages. It would take further investigation to fi nd into unequal relationships with much older men’. Table 3.9 out the underlying causes of such a phenomenon as well shows the percentage of female youth who had ever fallen as the eventual ends of such pregnancies which had not pregnant and who had actually gone on to have live births. It translated into live births.

Table 3.9: Percentage Distribution of Ever Been Pregnant Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) by Whether Given a Live birth and District – 2011

Ever Given Live birth District Yes No Both Total Botha-Bothe 5.7 0.2 5.9 11,829 Leribe 16.8 0.8 17.6 35,472 Berea 13.2 0.8 13.9 28,141 Maseru 22.4 1.2 23.6 47,684 Mafeteng 8.4 0.4 8.8 17,765 Mohales Hoek 9.2 0.1 9.4 18,946 Quthing 6.1 0.3 6.5 13,038 Qachas Nek 3.1 0.1 3.2 6,411 Mokhotlong 4.8 0.2 5.0 10,025 Thaba-Tseka 6.1 0.1 6.3 12,648 Total (per cent) 95.9 4.1 100.0 Lesotho (N) 193,595 8,364 201,959

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 10 Table 3.10: Percentage Distribution of Ever Been pregnant Lesotho Female Youth (15 - 35 Years) by whether given a live birth and Marital Status – 2011 Ever given live birth Marital Status Yes No Both Total Never married 17.1 1.4 18.6 37,539 Married 67.6 2.4 70.1 141474 Living Together 0.3 0.0 0.3 541 Separated 4.4 0.1 4.6 9,192 Divorced 0.7 0.0 0.7 1,479 Widowed 5.7 0.1 5.8 11,624 Don’t know 0.1 0.0 0.1 109 Per cent(per cent) 95.9 4.1 100.0 Lesotho (N) 193,595 8,364 201,959

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey

Table 3.10 shows the percentage of female youth who had marriage but there is a sizeable occurrence of pre-marital ever been pregnant and had ever had a live birth measured child birth. against their marital status. 3.7. Mortality The results reveal that of all the female youth who had ever been pregnant, 17.1 per cent of them were never married, Mortality is the aggregate statistics of deaths which 67.6 per cent of them were married while 0.3 per cent were occurred in a place/country during some specifi ed time living together, 4.4 per cent were separated and 0.7 per cent period. Mortality provides a valuable measure of population were divorced, 5.7 per cent were widowed. These fi ndings health and development. indicate that much child birth by youth occurred within

Table 3.11: Number of Reported Deaths in the Past 12 Months 2011 LDS

Sex of the deceased Sex of the Deceased

(Number of deaths) (Per cent of deaths) Age groups Total Male Female Male Female

15-19 478 135 343 2.7 5.9

20-24 1,763 754 1,010 14.9 17.4

25-29 2,685 1,279 1,406 25.2 24.2

30-34 3,029 1,282 1,748 25.3 30.1

35-39* 2,921 1,626 1,295 32.0 22.3

Total 10876 5076 5802 100.0 100.0

Source: 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey *Youth ends with age 35

Table 3.11 shows deaths that occurred in households 12 3.8. Discussion months before the survey by age and sex of the deceased. As far as the youth are concerned, there were a total of 3.8.1. Basic Youth Demographics 5,076 male deaths and 5,802 female deaths. It appears that a higher percentage of female youth of most ages died Lesotho has a predominantly youthful population with compared to males except for age groups 25 to 29 and 30 the youth comprising over 39.8 per cent of the total to 34, in which a higher percentage of males instead of population. Youth bulges have spurred much debate on females had died. their implications for developing countries. There can be benefi ts and costs that can accrue from youth bulges.

Page 11 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 However, a stable political environment, a meticulously laid • Lack of proper parental guidance and care out education system, a rigorous youth health system as • Lack of suitable accommodation well as a condusive policy environment will be required in • Stigmatization order to maximise the benefi ts and minimise the costs of having such a large youthful population. • Poor health and inability to access or afford The national youth sex ratio (roughly 107 males for every medical care 100 females), indicates no signifi cant imbalance between • Early economic engagement as a survival strategy male and female youth in the country. However, the marginal difference points to high mortality risks that females are The same report indicates that evidence obtained from the prone to within this age group. The 2009 LDHS shows that MOHSW (2001) states that orphaned children in Lesotho females in the reproductive age are more associated with adopt various strategies for their survival including: HIV infection than their male counterparts and are prone to high maternal morbidity and mortality. • Early marriage 3.8.2. Geospatial Distribution of the Youth • Commercial sex work Population • Working as herd boys or domestic helpers or engagement in other child labour activities Geographically, the majority (72.9 per cent) of Lesotho’s • Organized petty crime youth reside in the rural areas with almost three-fi fths • Living on the streets residing in lowlands (58.7 per cent), and roughly a fi fth (20.7 per cent) of them residing in mountains. This has very • Abusing substances such as alcohol and other important implications on planning for youth development. drugs Urban areas have generally benefi tted more than rural • Being adopted by childless families or well wishers areas in terms of development. This is often seen in the • Placement in institutions distribution and patterns of access to amenities like clean • Staying at home unoccupied portable water sources, electricity, schools, health facilities, retail environment, as well as adequate clothing and shelter. This calls for a stronger focus on rural development These are all areas of critical concern when planning for programmes that focus on youth development. Currently, youth development, particularly for youth who have become Lesotho does not have an overarching policy on rural orphaned. development as these initiatives are often fragmented across government ministries. Each Ministry runs its The residential differences however show that female own programmes with very little cross fertilisation with mortality is higher in the rural areas while paternal programmes in other ministries. mortality is higher in the urban areas. Furthermore, it is found that survivorship rates are higher in the rural areas Another important spatial dimension pertaining to the implying that mortality is generally lower in the rural areas distribution of youth pertains to the fact that the majority compared to urban areas and so is the level of orphanhood. of the youth population (60.2 per cent) reside in the districts However, the lifestyles of men could probably play an lying between the western and northern parts of the additional role in contributing to their higher mortality rate. country namely, Botha-Bothe, Leribe, Berea and Maseru. Household headship has been found to be a feature There is strong correlation with the fact that these are the associated with just 16.5 per cent of the youth population. main areas of economic activity and political activity, and Depending most importantly on age and then on other where most of the nation’s agricultural production takes considerations like the threat of HIV, poverty and increasing place. These results also suggest that the aforementioned food insecurity, there may be a level of vulnerability for districts have higher population density than the other six child-headed and female-headed households which policy and are key to national economic development. interventions may specifi cally target.

It is important therefore to note at this stage some of the 3.8.3. Orphanhood and Household Headship key initiatives undertaken by the Government of Lesotho to address these some of these issues. The following are of It has been highlighted by this survey that orphanhood and particular interest: child vulnerability are very high among Lesotho’s young population with about 17.4 per cent of children being double 1. In 2006 GoL developed the National OVC (Orphans orphans while 27.0 per cent are paternal orphans only and Vulnerable Children) Strategic Plan 2006 – and 9.6 per cent are maternal orphans only. A 2006 study 2011. The document was intended to give strategic conducted by UNICEF on Residential Care for Children and policy direction to the Ministry of Health and Social Vulnerable Children indicates that the problems and needs Welfare on key issues pertaining to orphans and of orphaned and vulnerable children in Lesotho largely vulnerable children. comprise the following: 2. In 2011 the Parliament of Lesotho passed the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act which • They are generally poverty-stricken attempts to domesticate the provisions of the • Hunger and the malnutition Convention in the Rights of the Child and the • Extreme dependency out of the tendency of self African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of pity the Child. The Lesotho UNGASS Report 2012 nonetheless notes that Lesotho still lacks a robust • Emotional insecurity and social exclusion implementation and monitoring framework to • Vulnerable to various kinds of abuse e.g. sexual abuse, maltreatment by caretakers, child labour • Lack of clothing including school uniform

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 12 ensure that children are empowered to claim their 3.9. Conclusion fundamental rights and to improve their situation. Four issues are important to take note of from the analysis 3. In 2011 the Government of Lesotho, with the presented in this chapter. The fi rst is that Lesotho is assistance of key development partners, introduced the experiencing a youth bulge wherein 38.9 per cent of the Child Grants Programme which is a critical safety net for population comprises youth. This pattern of age distribution orphaned children. A key limitation of these grants has presents the country with both opportunities and challenges. been their coverage given the magnitude of orphanhood On the side of opportunities, the youth bulge presents the throughout the country. country with an important reservoir of talent, skills and manpower that can be leveraged to expedite the realisation The signifi cance of all these initiatives is that they cover of the country’s development vision. On the other hand, the youth between the ages of 15 and 17 who according to inability of the country to meaningfully engage the youth in Lesotho’s legal framework are largely considered as the country’s development is not only a waste of national minors or indeed children. resources, given the public and private investment into their education and upbringing it is also often a political 3.8.4. Marriage and Fertility risk. Global analysis of youth bulges often draw a strong correlation between their existence and political and social Almost three-fi fths (59.0 per cent) of all youth had never instability. Planning for the active engagement of the been married while about 36.2 per cent of them were youth in the country’s development should therefore be currently married. This could have important implications an important consideration in taking the fi ndings of this on the fertility of this young population as marriage is one chapter forward. social institution within which much of fertility occurs. In light of this, the survey results show that a slight majority (55.3 per cent) of female youth had been pregnant and 94.1 The second important consideration relates to the fact per cent of these had left school. that 72.9 per cent of Lesotho’s youth live in rural areas which are often deprived of key amenities required for the realisation of sustainable human development. Planning There is also a sizeable occurrence of premarital births, for youth development in Lesotho should therefore at least which often occur at an early age and put the mother be sensitive to processes of urban bias. and infant at a risk of death and other vulnerabilities. For instance an unmarried mother often has to rely on a single The third important fi nding is that female youth is at a income for the upkeep of herself and that of the child. heightened risk of mortality as compared to their male Whenever she falls ill or is unable to work she does not counterpart. The fourth key fi nding of this study relates have an income with which to care for the child. In addition, to the scale of prevalence of orphanhood which calls for the actual physical care of the child would also suffer if critical planning of safety nets for orphaned youth. there were not the second parent or family to help with the myriad of tasks and activities that go into caring for a baby on a daily basis.

Page 13 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 CHAPTER 4 EDUCATION

4.1. Introduction a) education is directed to the full development of the human personality and sense of dignity and Education is one of the most effective tools for enhancing strengthening the respect for human rights and young people’s lives and capabilities and it is perceived as fundamental freedoms; a major enabler of development in the human development approach. In this approach education is seen as a way b) primary education is compulsory and available to of developing capabilities to live a freer, more fruitful all; and more meaningful life. The Government of Lesotho c) secondary education, including technical and has committed itself in numerous ways to the fulfi lment vocational education, is made generally available and realisation of these ideals of the role of education in and accessible to all by every appropriate means, human development. At the international and regional and in particular, by the progressive introduction levels Lesotho is a signatory to several initiatives designed of free education; to improve access and quality of education to its young people. These include the Southern Africa Development d) higher education is made equally accessible to Community (SADC) Protocol on Education and Training and all, on the basis of capacity, by every appropriate the New Initiative for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Human means, and in particular, by the progressive Resource Development Initiative, the Education for All (EFA) introduction of free education; and initiative/process and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the Dakar Declaration (2000). The totality of e) fundamental education is encouraged or these declarations emphasises the following: intensifi ed as far as possible for those persons who have not received or completed their primary 1. Expanding and improving comprehensive early education. childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children; It is however also important to note that this Article of the Constitution is described, in the constitution as a ‘Principle 2. Ensuring that by 2015 all children, particularly of State Policy’ which means that it is not justiciable. girls, children in diffi cult circumstances and those belonging to ethnic minorities, have access to and complete, free and compulsory primary education This chapter examines the educational status of youth of good quality; and probes for challenges within the education system as perceived by the youth, and examines their proposed 3. Ensuring that the learning needs of all young solutions to the perceived problems. In addition, the survey people and adults are met through equitable engaged the youth to provide their own perception on the access to appropriate learning and life-skills relevance of the education system to job market demands, programmes; and whether their acquired skills provided any leverage in obtaining employment. Furthermore, the chapter deals 4. Achieving a 50 per cent improvement in levels of with issues related to education, and specifi cally examine adult literacy by 2015, especially for women, and attendance, educational attainment, reasons for dropping equitable access to basic and continuing education out as well as solutions to curb the problem. It also includes for all adults; opinions of the youth on the relevance and usefulness of the Lesotho education system. 5. Eliminating gender disparities in primary and secondary education by 2005, and achieving gender equality in education by 2015, with a focus 4.2. Youth Ever Attended School on ensuring girls’ full and equal access to and achievement in basic education of good quality; The 2012 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey (LYES) gathered data on whether the youth had ever attended 6. Improving all aspects of the quality of education school. The purpose was to determine the extent to which and ensuring excellence of all so that recognized youth had been able to access opportunities to get an and measurable learning outcomes are achieved education. by all, especially in literacy, numeracy and essential life skills. The overall fi ndings of the study indicated that only 2.9 It is perhaps also important to note the Constitution of per cent of youth in Lesotho had never attended school, Lesotho (1993) states that: whereas 97.8 per cent of youth had ever attended school. The fi ndings further indicate that the more urban youth Lesotho shall endeavour to make education available to all (98.7 per cent) had ever attended school compared to rural and shall adopt policies aimed at securing that: youth (97.4 per cent). Conversely, the proportion of youth who had never attended school was greater in rural areas (2.6 per cent) than in urban areas (1.3 per cent).

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 14 When disaggregated by sex, the fi ndings indicate that there academic year as compiled by the Ministry of Education were more females than males who had ever attended and Training. The statistics indicate that a total of 385 437 school (99.2 and 95.6 cent respectively). This indicates that individuals were enrolled at primary school of whom 40 355 more male youth had never attended school as compared to were youth (above the age of 15). This means that youth females (4.4 and 0.8 per cent respectively). comprised 10.5 per cent of the enrolled learners at primary school level. The distribution of these youth by grade is given in Table 4.1. 4.3. Youth Enrolment at Primary School and Secondary School

The following analysis on youth enrolment at primary and secondary school was based on statistics for the 2011

Table 4.1: Youth Enrolled in Lesotho’s Primary Schools by Age and Sex (2011)

Primary School Levels

Standard 1 Standard 2 Standard 3 Standard 4 Standard 5 Standard 6 Standard 7 Age/Sex Total M F M F M F M F M F M F M F

15 19 7 72 22 330 111 1210 475 2447 1141 3215 2345 3701 3904 18 999

16 13 4 27 10 121 45 485 214 1201 553 2184 1260 3001 2474 11 592

17 1 4 16 8 38 16 190 71 463 202 1146 544 1820 1241 5 760

18 1 4 6 0 19 8 57 26 150 93 460 208 922 460 2 414

19 1 0 4 0 9 1 17 8 63 39 166 93 347 184 932

20 0 0 3 0 3 4 17 3 30 16 69 31 157 67 400

21+ 5 1 2 2 5 3 11 6 26 11 42 23 69 52 258

Total 40 20 130 42 525 188 1 987 803 4 380 2 055 7 282 4 504 10 017 8 382 40 355

The absolute fi gures provided in Table 4.1 show that Across the age cohorts the gap between boys and girls consistently throughout the grades there were signifi cantly enrolled in primary schools is quite signifi cant. In other more male youth than female youth. The levels of disparity words, the primary enrolment of male youth consistently by proportion within each age cohort are illustrated in exceeds that of female youth in all age cohorts. Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1: Distribution of Males and Females in Primary Schools

At secondary school level a total of 128,172 pupils were distribution of total enrolment of youth at secondary and enrolled in 2011, of whom 106, 206 (82.9%) were youth. The high school levels by age and sex are given in Table 4.2.

Page 15 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 4.2: Total Youth Enrolment at Secondary and High School Level by Age and Sex

Secondary and High School Levels

Form A Form B Form C Form D Form E Age/Sex Total M F M F M F M F M F 15 3406 4984 2408 4354 1123 2126 302 703 0 0 19406 16 3071 3348 2906 4126 1823 3018 890 1901 157 429 21669 17 2285 1808 2708 3258 2110 2890 1553 2627 723 1445 21407 18 1335 753 2076 1869 1868 2167 1686 2462 1160 1846 17222 19 502 256 1153 847 1338 1283 1504 1827 1192 1532 11434 20 186 110 529 353 806 604 1066 1098 1049 1140 6941 21 59 33 237 140 405 285 647 627 694 672 3799 22 16 11 82 58 211 145 367 319 424 354 1987 23 11 12 29 34 90 56 178 168 245 198 1021 24 6 7 12 25 34 20 89 102 118 106 519

25+ 1 26 23 44 30 55 72 199 142 209 801

Total 10878 11348 12163 15108 9838 12649 8354 12033 5904 7931 106206

(Source: Ministry of Education 2011 Statistics)

The absolute fi gures provided in Table 4.2 show that high school grades. The levels of disparity by proportion consistently throughout the grades there were more female within each age cohort are illustrated in Figure 4.2. youth than male youth across all the secondary school and

Figure 4.2: Percentage Distribution of Youth in Secondary and High School by Sex

The bar chart shows that there were relatively more data provided indicates that the disparities were lowest in female youth than male youth enrolled in secondary and Form A where females comprised 51.1 per cent while males high schools. This is the reverse of the trend observed at comprised 48.9 per cent. The disparities were highest in primary school level where there were consistently more Form D where females comprised 59 per cent while 41 per males than female youth in all primary school grades. The cent comprised males.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 16 4.4. Enrolment in Tertiary Institutions

Upon successful completion of high school education many students enrolled in Lesotho’s tertiary institutions. However, youth look forward to furthering their education in tertiary it does give a fair estimate based on the assumption that institutions. Data was therefore collected from the Bureau the majority of learners in these institutions are most likely of Statistics on the youth enrolment in tertiary institutions. to be youth. The data on tertiary enrolment is thus given in A limitation of the data is that it does not provide the ages of Table 4.3.

Table 4.3: Tertiary Enrolment by Institution and Sex (2011)

ENROLMENT INSTITUTION Males Females Total

Centre for Accounting Studies (CAS) 586 710 1296

Institute of Development Management (IDM) 168 310 478

Lesotho Agricultural College (LAC) 161 196 357

Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Manage- 168h 290 458 ment (LIPAM)

Lesotho College of Education (LCE) 1295 3509 4804

Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) 1896 820 2716

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) 1498 1591 3089

Maluti School of Nursing (MSN) 28 98 126

National Health Training Centre (NHTC) 142 393 535

National University of Lesotho (NUL) 4367 6994 11361

Paray School of Nursing (PSN) 11 85 96

Roma College of Nursing (RCN) 18 71 89

Scott Hospital School of Nursing (SHSN) 19 84 103

Total 10,357 15,151 25,508

(Source: Education Statistics Bulletin, 2012)

The data presented in Table 4.3 indicates there were a This is perhaps due to the fact that this institution offers total of 25,508 learners in Lesotho’s tertiary institutions technical subjects which have traditionally been thought to in 2012. It further indicates that there were more females be more suitable for males than females. than males in Lesotho’s tertiary institutions where females accounted for 59 per cent (15,151) of all enrolment at this A similar trend is observed at National University of Lesotho level whilst males constituted 41 per cent (10,357) of the when enrolment is disaggregated by faculty, where there total enrolment. The only exception is Lerotholi Polytechnic are more males in the faculties of Science and Agriculture where there were more male students than female students. than in the other faculties as indicated in Table 4.4.

Page 17 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 4.4: National University of Lesotho enrolment by Faculty, level, and sex (2011/12)

ENROLMENT All Students FACULTY Under-Graduate Post-Graduate M F Total M F Total M F Total

Agriculture 239 158 397 1 1 2 240 159 399

Education 684 1,171 1,855 101 89 190 785 1260 2,045

Health Sciences 258 315 573 0 0 0 258 315 573

Humanities 192 609 801 19 12 31 211 621 832

Law 160 178 338 0 0 0 160 178 338

Science 574 215 789 0 0 0 574 215 789

Social Sciences 997 1,391 2,388 18 35 53 1015 1426 2,441

IEMS 864 1,936 2,800 5 21 26 869 1957 2,826

Institute of Education 255 863 1,118 0 0 0 255 863 1,118

Total 4,223 6,836 11,059 144 158 302 4367 6994 11,361

(Source: Education Statistics Bulletin, 2012)

The data presented in Table 4.4 indicate that in the faculty 4.5. School Attendance and Drop-out of Agriculture there were 240 males against 159 females enrolled in undergraduate agriculture courses. Similarly in In the 2012 LYES data was collected on school attendance the Faculty of Science, there were 574 males as against 215 and drop-out rates, the fi ndings are presented in Figure 4.3. females. However, the trend is reversed when one looks at enrolment in the faculties of education and social sciences, where females outnumbered males (1171 as against 684 and 1391 as against 997, for the two faculties respectively).

Figure 4.3: Percentage Distribution of Youth School Attendance by Age – 2012 LYES

The data presented in Figure 4.3 indicate that 2.9 per cent The fi ndings go further to show that those still attending of youth never attended school, 25.1 per cent were still were highest in age group 15–17 (78.3 per cent) and lowest attending school, while 57.8 per cent had dropped out of in age group 27-29 at 3.8 per cent. However, the peak for school and only 14.2 per cent reported having completed those who dropped out of school can be observed in age their schooling. The fi ndings also show that those that group 33-35 at 76.9 per cent while it was lowest in age group never attended school peak in age group 30-32 at 7.5 per 15-17 at 20.4 per cent. The peak for those who completed cent while it was at the lowest in age group 15-17 at 0.4 per their schooling is in age group 27-29 at 24 per cent and the cent. low is in age group 15-17 at 0.9 percent.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 18 The fi ndings of the study also indicate that more males those who dropped out are much higher in the rural than (4.9 per cent) than females never attended school (0.3 per urban areas at 56.0 and 33.3 per cent respectively. Finally, cent). The data further indicate that more females (37.7 per the fi ndings of the study indicated that there were also cent) than males (30.6 per cent) were still attending school. signifi cant differences in urban and rural areas pertaining The percentage of males who had dropped out of school to school completion rates whereby in the urban areas was slightly higher at 51.5 per cent compared to females 30.7 per cent reported having completed their schooling as at 50.4. Finally, the proportions of males and females who compared to 6.7 per cent in the rural areas. completed school were 13.0 and 11.6 per cent respectively. 4.6. Youth Educational Attainment The fi ndings indicate that more youth in the rural areas (2.4 per cent) had never attended school compared to youth in Educational attainment is the level of schooling that an urban areas (1.3 per cent). The data further indicate that individual has managed to successfully complete. Data the percentages of youth still attending school are 34.9 and was collected on the educational attainment of youth and 34.6 per cent for rural and urban areas respectively, and the results are presented in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5: Educational Qualifi cations of Youth by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Qualifi cations 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Never Attended 0.0 0.5 1.3 4.1 1.9 7.5 3.1 2.6 None & Preschool 15.2 11.8 10.7 17.1 18.3 13.8 13.8 14.3 Primary Certifi cate (Std 1-7) 57.0 32.3 30.8 27.4 36.5 38.8 46.2 38.3 J.C. (Form 1-3) 24.3 32.3 25.8 22.6 21.2 17.5 9.2 21.7 C.OS.C or equivalent (Form 4-5) 3.5 20.0 23.9 19.9 12.5 15.0 20.0 16.3 Diploma/ certifi cate after primary 0.0 0.5 0.0 1.4 1.0 1.3 0.0 0.6 Vocational training after primary 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 0.2 Diploma/ certifi cate after secondary 0.0 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 Vocational training after secondary 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.2 Diploma/ certifi cate after high school 0.0 0.9 6.3 4.1 5.8 1.3 3.1 3.0 Vocational training after high school 0.0 0.0 0.6 1.4 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.5 Junior degree 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 1.0 3.8 3.1 1.2 Post graduate degree 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.1 1.9 1.3 0.0 0.7 Other 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

The data presented in Table 4.5 indicates that 16.9 per cent the urban and rural areas. For the lower level of educational of youth had no basic education as they had either never attainment, Primary School Education, there are more attended school or had only attended pre-school. The data rural youth (43.6 per cent) than urban youth (22.8 per cent). further indicates that the highest percentage of youth (38.3 The trend changes for JC and COSC, as at JC urban youth per cent) had primary education followed by those who had dominate (28.1 per cent) compared to rural youth (23.0 per secondary education (21.7 per cent), while only a small cent). Again, at COSC level 17.9 per cent are urban youth percentage (4.9 per cent) had tertiary education and had compared to 14.0 per cent of rural youth. completed their high school education (16.3 per cent). When the data is disaggregated by sex, more female youth There are no urban youth reported to have completed a were found to have completed Primary School (42.1 per vocational training after primary while there is 0.3 per cent) compared to 34.1 per cent male youth. For the Junior cent of rural youth with vocational training after primary. Certifi cate (JC) more females had completed it (28.4 per For youth with a vocational training after secondary both cent) compared to males (17.9 per cent). The same pattern urban and rural youth constitute 0.2 per cent. However, is observed at COSC level or equivalent where 17.9 per for the subsequent levels urban youth are dominant. For cent females had completed it compared to 14.0 per cent instance, for the Diploma/certifi cate obtained after high for males. However, at the level beyond COSC a complete school, urban youth recorded 3.2 per cent as opposed to shift is observed. At the Post-graduate Degree level males 2.3 per cent of rural youth. For the vocational training after constitute 1.0 per cent of the youth as opposed to 0.3 per high school both urban and rural youth constitute 0.2, while cent for females. youth who obtained a Junior Degree constitutes 1.2 and 0.3, and Post graduate degree 1.0 and 0.3 per cent for urban and Data was also collected on educational attainment by rural youth respectively. residence. The fi ndings revealed some disparities between

Page 19 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 4.7. Levels of Sesotho and English Literacy and write in Sesotho and English. Cards displaying simple statements written in Sesotho and English were given to Literacy is generally defi ned as the ability to read and write the youth to read to assess their literacy levels. The data with understanding in a particular language. Lesotho has was compared by residence, sex and age of respondents. two offi cial languages, namely Sesotho and English. The The distributions of the ability to read Sesotho as a proxy 2012 LYES collected data on the ability of youth to read measure of literacy in Sesotho are presented in Table 4.6.

Table 4.6: Percentage of Level of Sesotho Literacy by Age - 2012 LYES

Age Literacy Level 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Can read with ease 87.4 89.5 88.1 78.8 81.0 73.8 75.4 82.0 Can read with diffi culty 10.9 8.6 8.8 11.0 12.4 18.8 18.5 12.7 Not at all 1.7 1.8 3.1 9.6 5.7 7.5 6.2 5.1 Visually impaired 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100

The data presented in Table 4.6 indicate that most youth An analysis of literacy levels in Sesotho by residence, (82 per cent) could read Sesotho with ease, 12.7 per cent indicate signifi cant disparities between the urban and rural could read Sesotho with diffi culty, while 5.1 per cent could areas. According to the results, 94.3 per cent of urban not read the Sesotho at all, and 0.2 could not read because youth could read Sesotho with ease compared to 81.3 per they were visually impaired. cent of rural youth. Furthermore the data indicate that more rural youth (13.6 per cent) could read Sesotho with The fi ndings also indicate that females are more Sesotho diffi culty compared to 3.5 per cent urban youth. In addition, literate than males such that 88.6 per cent of females more rural youth (5.0 per cent) could not read Sesotho at all could read Sesotho with ease compared to 77.7 per cent compared to 1.8 per cent of urban youth. of males. In addition, fewer females (9.9 per cent) than males (13.5 per cent) could read Sesotho with diffi culty. Table 4.7 shows results of ability to read English. The data A larger proportion of males (8.9 per cent) could not read presented in Table 4.7 indicates that far less youth could Sesotho at all compared to 1.3 per cent of females. An read English with compared to Sesotho. Table 4.7 indicates equal percentage of both males and females was visually that only 54.2 per cent youth could read English with ease, impaired (0.2 per cent). 27.6 per cent could read English with diffi culty, and 18.1 per cent could not read English at all whilst 0.2 per cent could not read because they were visually impaired.

Table 4.7: Percentage of Level of English Literacy by Age - 2012 LYES

Age Literacy Level 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Can read with ease 64.3 70.0 61.0 50.7 50.0 40.0 43.1 54.2 Can read with diffi culty 28.3 22.3 24.5 26.0 26.9 37.5 27.7 27.6 Not at all 7.4 7.7 14.5 22.6 23.1 22.5 29.2 18.0 Visually Impaired 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings further indicate that slightly more females youth. Moreover, 18.5 per cent of rural youth could not read could read English than their male counterparts. The English at all, compared to 3.1 per cent urban youth. It is fi ndings show that 60.0 per cent of female youth as again observed that 0.4 of youth in urban areas are visually compared to 55.6 per cent of male youth could read English impaired compared to 0.1 per cent in the rural areas. with ease. Furthermore, 30.2 per cent of females compared to 21.6 per cent of males could read English with diffi culty. Also, 22.5 per cent of males could not read English at all 4.8. Reasons for School DropOut compared to 9.9 per cent of females. School dropout in this survey is defi ned, as leaving school Residential disaggregation of the data indicates that far by youth before writing end of year assessment or leaving more urban youth could read English with ease (83.3 per school without a school diploma or equivalent credentials cent) compared to 50.8 per cent of rural youth. Also the for the grade or level of study the youth had enrolled in. fi ndings show that 30.6 per cent of rural youth could read The key fi ndings on the reasons for school dropout are English with diffi culty compared to 13.2 per cent of urban presented in Table 4.8.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 20 Table 4.8: Percentage Distribution of Youth’s Reasons for Dropping-out by Age - 2012 LYES

Age

Reasons for dropping out 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage

Lack of Funds 47.9 49.5 54.5 56.6 60.3 81.7 77.6 61.1

Just did not like/want to go to school 4.2 5.5 7.1 6.6 5.1 6.7 4.1 5.6

School was far 0 0 1 0.9 0 0 0 0.3

Ill health/sickness 6.3 4.4 4 1.9 2.6 1.7 4.1 3.6

Pregnant/Impregnated/Had a child 4.2 14.3 8.1 5.7 6.4 5 2 6.5

Got Married 6.3 6.6 13.1 15.1 11.5 3.3 6.1 8.9

Parents/relatives refused them to attend 2.1 1.1 0 3.8 0 0 0 1

Went to Initiation School 0 6.6 4 3.8 6.4 1.7 0 3.2

Had to fi nd work 18.8 7.7 4 0.9 6.4 0 4.1 6

Other 10.4 4.4 4 4.7 1.3 0 2 3.8

Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

A large proportion of youth (61.1 per cent) dropped out of reported lack of funds as the main reason for dropping out school because of lack of funds. The reason for dropping of school. However, a noticeable proportion of females (11.7 out because of lack of funds was more evident in the 30- per cent) dropped out because of pregnancy, while 16.9 per 32, 33-35 and 27-29 age groups which recorded the highest cent dropped out because of marriage. There were males percentages of 81.7, 77.6 and 60.3 respectively. Marriage (10.2 per cent) who dropped out because they had to work as and pregnancy followed lack of funds as contributory compared to 1.6 per cent of females. Moreover, more males factors cited for school dropout particularly in the 18-20, (9.8 per cent) dropped out because they did not like school, 21-23 and 27-29 age groups. Another notable fi nding is that compared to 2.9 per cent of females. Another signifi cant ill health is another factor contributing to youth drop out, proportion to highlight is that of youth who went to initiation and affects more youth in the early ages. For instance, in school, the proportion was high for males (8.4 per cent), but the 15-17 age groups illness account for 6.3 percent, while it was very low for females at 0.3 per cent, indicating that in the 18-20 and 21-23 it accounts for 4.4 and 4.0 per cent the practice attracts more males than females. respectively. One more reason for dropping out of school that deserves to be mentioned is not receiving enough When the results are studied looking at the residential support from parents and guardians. differentials, it is observed that rural youth had the highest propensity to drop out of school than urban youth. The Other youth were forced by family pressure to leave school major reason for dropping out for most rural youth is lack to work. This phenomenon seems to have attracted a large of funds and their proportion constitutes 60.2 per cent. proportion of youth in their prime years. For instance, 18.8 Other reasons mentioned largely by rural youth as major per cent of the youth in the age group 15-17 had to leave infl uences in their decisions to drop out include not liking school to fi nd employment, while 7.7 per cent were in the school (6.0 per cent) compared to 4.9 per cent in the urban 18-20 age group and 4.0 per cent in the 21-23 age group. areas; ill health and sickness constitute 3.7 and 3.3 per cent Another phenomenon is the proportion of youth who left for urban and rural areas respectively, while pregnancy school to go to initiation schools. The highest proportions accounts for 6.1 and 7.3 per cent for urban and rural youth; are in the 18-20 and 27-29 age groups, with 6.6 per cent and marriage accounts for 13.4 and 9.1 per cent for urban 6.4 per cent respectively. and rural areas respectively and going to initiation school accounts for 4.4 per cent of rural youth; and leaving to fi nd When disaggregated by sex, the data further reveal that work constitutes 3.7 and 5.6 per cent of urban and rural an equal proportion of males and females (59.6 per cent) youth respectively.

Page 21 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 4.9. Solutions to Drop-out Problem

Table 4.9: Percentage Distribution of Youth Solutions to Drop-out Problem by Age -2012 LYES

Age Suggested Solutions 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Provide social grants the less privileged 21.7 25.9 23.9 22.6 22.1 17.5 18.5 21.7 General subsidization of education 9.6 10.9 9.4 10.3 12.5 12.5 7.7 10.4 Youth cooperatives that generate income to 1.7 0.5 1.9 0.7 0.0 5.0 3.1 1.8 fi nance youth education Youth should still be sponsored even when they 1.3 2.7 1.3 4.1 2.9 5.0 1.5 2.7 have failed Abolish corporal punishment 2.2 1.4 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 Introduce policy that requires all people of 3.0 0.5 1.9 1.4 1.0 1.3 3.1 1.7 school going age to go to school Enforce the policy that requires all people of 3.0 6.8 3.1 6.2 7.7 2.5 4.6 4.9 school going age to go to school Introduce free high school education 12.6 10.5 15.7 15.1 12.5 20.0 15.4 14.5 Provide life skills education by youth to the youth 2.2 1.8 6.3 5.5 1.9 2.5 6.2 3.8 Sensitise youth on importance of education 9.6 10.9 8.8 11.6 8.7 7.5 9.2 9.5 Sensitise parents on importance of education 10.4 5.0 3.8 5.5 6.7 10.0 10.8 7.5 Students shouldn’t be kicked out if pregnant 3.5 4.1 5.0 2.1 5.8 3.8 3.1 3.9 Don’t know 13.9 9.5 7.5 6.8 6.7 8.8 7.7 8.7 Other 5.2 9.5 11.3 8.2 10.6 3.8 9.2 8.3 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Respondents were asked to provide perceived solutions to the development and enforcement of a policy that requires school dropout. A number of solutions were suggested and all people of school going age to go to school, as well as these are refl ected in Table 4.9. sensitization of youth on the importance of education.

The majority of youth believe that government should Generally, the call for the removal of fi nancial barriers provide social grants to the less privileged, to curtail school emanates from rural youth. 21.6 per cent of rural youth dropout, with age group 18-20 having the highest proportion and 25.9 per cent of urban youth suggested the provision of that held this view, followed by age groups 23-25 and 24-26. social grants for the less privileged. General subsidization Furthermore, provision of general subsidies of education of education accounts for 11.0 and 10.2 per cent of urban to learners is deemed as a necessary intervention that can and rural youth responses respectively. The introduction of facilitate and motivate youth to attend school. This opinion free high school education also features prominently with is most common among the 24-26, 27-29 and 30-32 age 11.4 and 14.4 per cent of urban and rural youth respectively groups. Others contend that free high school education and advocating for its introduction. In addition, 11.4 per cent of subsidisation of general education should be introduced. urban youth call for the sensitization of youth and parents The proportion of youth calling for free high school compared to 9.3 per cent of youth in rural areas. Sensitization education is largely among the 30-32 age group. of parents on the importance of education accounts for 7.0 and 7.1 per cent respectively for urban and rural youth Other solutions to school dropout included sensitisation suggestions. Discouraging pregnancies by expulsion of of youth and parents alike on the importance of education. pregnant students and providing life skills to the youth is The respondents also suggested establishment of youth also regarded as important. Furthermore, enforcement of income generating cooperatives to fi nance youth education. the policy that requires all people of school going age to go Furthermore, they recommend that youth sponsorship to school is highly placed in their suggestions. should be offered even when they have failed their studies, and not be reprimanded by expulsions or suspensions. 4.10. Rating Relevance of Lesotho’s There are noticeable variations in the solutions to the Education System dropout problem suggested by youth by sex. More females than males have suggested provision of social grants to the The relevance of education is defi ned as the applicability less privileged (25 and 19.1 per cent respectively), as well of what is taught by schools to the needs and interests as general subsidization of education and the introduction of students and society. In other words, it is the wealth of free high school education as some of the most viable of knowledge and skills acquired through studying that solutions. In addition, more males than females suggest enables the learner to apply them in different life and work

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 22 situations. From the preceding analysis, it can be deduced For purposes of this study, youth were asked to rate the that education is not an end in its own right. It is often a relevance of the Lesotho education system on a scale of 1 means toward achieving an end – a better livelihood through to 5, 1 indicating not relevant at all and 5 indicating very better employment opportunities. In a narrower sense, the relevant. In this section, the youth were asked to give their completion of formal education should enable young people perceptions about the relevance of the Lesotho’s education to make a successful transition from school to work with system in an attempt to understand what it meant to them the skills and knowledge they acquired in formal schooling. and how valuable they considered it. The key fi ndings of youth’ ratings of Lesotho’s education system are presented in Table 4.10.

Table 4.10: Percentage Distribution of Youth’s Rating of Relevance of Lesotho’s Education System by Age

Age Responses 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Not relevant at all 3.0 8.2 10.1 6.2 6.7 7.5 3.1 6.4 Somewhat relevant 6.5 5.9 6.9 8.2 3.8 7.5 6.2 6.4 Fairly relevant 14.8 15.9 20.1 15.1 22.1 22.5 15.4 18.0 Relevant 51.7 52.3 43.4 45.9 48.1 40.0 50.8 47.4 Completely/Very relevant 17.8 12.3 14.5 15.8 11.5 16.3 16.9 15.0 Don’t know 6.1 5.5 5.0 8.9 7.7 6.3 7.7 6.7 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings indicate that most youth rate the education of 4.11. Discussion Lesotho as relevant while only a few rated it as irrelevant. The highest proportions of responses that rated the 4.11.1. Attendance education system as relevant account for over fi fty per cent in the 15-17 and 18-20 age groups, and begin to Consistently throughout the primary school grades there decline slightly in the 21-23 age cohorts until the 33-35 age were signifi cantly more young men than young women. groups, although they remain higher than 40.0 per cent. Conversely, throughout the secondary school and high Fairly relevant and completely relevant are the other two school grades there were more young women than young categories that yielded very high proportions across the age men. There also some disparities observed when the data groups. was disaggregated by residence wherein 2.6 per cent of youth in rural areas had never attended school as against 1.3 The overall perspective on the relevance of the Lesotho per cent of urban youth. When the data was disaggregated education is highly favourable. Females representing 15.2 by sex 4.4 per cent of young males had never attended per cent rated the relevance of the education as completely/ school as compared to 0.8 per cent of young female. very relevant compared to 14.7 per cent of males. In addition, a further 50.9 per cent of females rated the education 4.11.2. Youth Enrolment at Primary system as relevant compared to 44.4 per cent of males. Furthermore, 17.1 and 17.6 per cent of females and males The fi ndings of the study indicate that in 2011, 10.5 per cent respectively, rated the relevance as fairly relevant, and a of pupils enrolled at primary school were youth. Given that further 5.7 and 7.6 per cent of females compared to males primary school entrance age is 7 years in Lesotho and that respectively rated the education system as somewhat completion of primary school is on average expected at the relevant. age of 13 years, the statistics is rather disturbing. Pupils aged above 13 years should generally be expected to have When analysing the data by residence, we observe that completed their primary school studies. The study however, invariably rural youth rated the education system as did not collect data on what could have caused such a large relevant; 49.9 per cent of rural youth in contrast to 42.5 per proportion of over-aged youth to be still in primary school. cent of urban youth rated the system as relevant. In addition, 16.0 per cent of rural youth contend that the system is fairly 4.11.3. School Attendance and Drop-out relevant as opposed to 21.9 per cent of the urban youth. A further 6.0 per cent of rural youth indicated that the system Statistics on the distribution of school attendance indicated is somewhat relevant against 7.9 per cent of urban youth. Of rapid falls in school attendance from 78.3 per cent in the those who could not form an opinion, 6.8 per cent are from 15 – 17 age cohort to 19.5 in the 21 – 13 age group. This the rural areas and 5.3 from the urban areas. An additional drop-out rate is in part explained by reasons given by youth 14.9 and 15.1 per cent of urban and rural youth respectively, who had dropped out of school that include among others rated the education system as completely or very relevant. lack of funds, lack of interest in school, inadequate parental support and others. A signifi cant majority (61%) indicated that the lack of funds was a major factor behind leaving school. This seems to suggest that poverty could have been a key driver behind non-completion of schooling among the youth.

Page 23 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 4.11.4. Youth Educational Attainment 4.12. Conclusion

The fi ndings reveal that 16.9 per cent of youth were without The fi ndings of this chapter draw attention to three basic education. Furthermore, 38.3 per cent had primary signifi cant issues. Firstly, there is a signifi cant lag of youth education, while 21.7 per cent had secondary education. at primary school wherein in 2011 they comprised 10 per In addition, 16.3 per cent had completed their high school cent of the total enrolment at this educational level. Given education but only 2.4 per cent managed to obtain post high the fact that the offi cial primary school enrolment age school tertiary education. Clearly, the low progression rates is six years and the length of primary schooling is seven show that there was a high rate of wastage, with many youth years, there should ideally be no youth a primary school dropping out of the education system for various reasons. level. Critical attention therefore needs to be directed Financial issues, coupled with failures, early pregnancies toward fi nding out what is holding back such a signifi cant and early marriages within the school-going youth are proportion of youth in primary schools. some of the major factors that contribute tremendously to high wastage. Secondly, there is a very wide discrepancy in patterns of enrolment between males and females at primary school 4.11.5. Levels of Sesotho and English literacy level. On average there are two male youth to every female youth at primary school level. Taking to note that youth are Signifi cant disparities were observed in the literacy rates not expected to be enrolled at primary school level this raises among the youth in English and Sesotho. The fi ndings of a concern as to what is actually holding back male youth at the study indicate that 82 per cent could read Sesotho primary school level than female youth. At secondary and with ease whereas only 54.2 per cent could read English high school level, the fi rst grade of secondary school level with ease. Given that a bulk of offi cial communication is indicates some relative parity between males and females. undertaken in English, a signifi cant portion of the youth is This could suggest that the transition rate of females from thus marginalised or socially excluded in this respect. The primary school to high school signifi cantly drops otherwise data also indicates signifi cant disparities between males the disparities seen at primary school would persist into and females in literacy levels in both languages, wherein the fi rst grade of high school. Analysis of the progression females score higher than males in terms of their literacy toward Form E which is the last grade of high school, the levels and between urban and rural areas whereby the disparities between males and females increases to 57.3 literacy levels are higher in the urban areas than in the per cent female to 42.7 per cent males. Two factors could be rural areas. infl uencing this trend, namely the school dropout patterns and the transition patterns of males and females from 4.11.6. Reasons for Dropping-out one grade to the next. Data collected on the dropout rates indicates that the lack of fi nance is a key issue contributing Invariably, lack of fi nancial resources is cited as the main to the dropout rate. More analysis needs to be taken into reasons dropping out, accounting for 61.1 per cent of consideration regarding differentials in transition rates of responses. This clearly shows that the level of poverty, male and females. especially in the rural areas, is extremely high. While there are no signifi cant differences according to sex, but the Thirdly, analysis of levels of literacy indicates relatively high disparities are well pronounced when data is disaggregated levels of literacy in Sesotho which is the local language by residence. and mother tongue to many Basotho. However, the literacy levels in English are much lower. The issue to fl ag here is 4.11.7. Solutions to Drop-out Problem that despite the fact that Lesotho has two offi cial languages – Sesotho and English, the more functional language of work is English whereby most offi cial documentation Since the most common factor that forced many youth in the form of reports, government gazettes and offi cial out of school is related to fi nances, it is not surprising, communication is in English. This restricts the ability of the therefore, that youth had proposed measures that are youth to be fully functional in the work arena if they are not fi nancially related as the most appropriate to curb the very literate in English. Once again, signifi cant differences drop-out problem. Across the age groups youth maintain were found in the patterns of literacy between urban and that government should provide social grants to the less rural areas as well as between females and males whereby privileged. Furthermore, provision of general subsidies females generally indicated higher levels of literacy than of education to learners is deemed as a necessary males. intervention that can facilitate and motivate youth to attend school. Others contend that free high school education and subsidisation of general education should be introduced.

4.11.8. Rating the Relevance of Lesotho Education System

There seems to be a unanimous view that Lesotho’s education system is still relevant. When the data is analysed by age, sex and residence, the majority of responses point to the same view that the education system in Lesotho still serves a relevant purpose in addressing their educational needs.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 24 CHAPTER 5 EMPLOYMENT

5.1. Introduction development and full and productive employment The World Development Report (2013) notes that “jobs are under conditions safeguarding fundamental political the cornerstone of economic and social development.... and economic freedoms to the individual. Indeed, development happens through jobs. People work their way out of poverty and hardship through better livelihoods…. Jobs are thus transformational—they can Article 30 of the Constitution of Lesotho addresses itself transform what we earn, what we do, and even who to the principles of just and favourable conditions of work. we are” (p.2). Having a job is thus a key aspect of youth Article 31 addresses protection of workers’ rights and empowerment in as much as not having a job is a key interests and Article 32 addresses the rights of children contributor to youth disgruntlement. Concerns relating and young people with respect to work. These Articles are to access to employment are noted in Articles 29 and 30 nonetheless also classifi ed, in the Constitution of Lesotho of the Constitution of Lesotho and further elaborated as Principles of State Policy which means that they are not in the Labour Code 2002 as Amended. Article 29 of the justiciable in the Courts of Lesotho. Constitution of Lesotho states that: Data was therefore collected on youth participation in employment. Data was also collected on the patterns of (1) Lesotho shall endeavour to ensure that every person employment and aspirations of owning a business as a has the opportunity to gain his living by work which he means of creating employment. freely chooses or accepts. (2) Lesotho shall adopt policies aimed at— 5.2. Participation in Employment

(a) achieving and maintaining as high and stable a level The Lesotho Integrated Labour Force Survey (2008) of employment as possible; defi nes Lesotho labour force as comprising the population (b) providing technical and vocational guidance and above 10 years of age. However, the same report defi nes training programmes; and the economically active as comprising the 15 – 65 years age group. Data was collected on youth participation in (c) achieving steady economic, social and cultural employment and the results are presented in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1: Occupational Status of the Youth

Occupational Status of the Youth Number of Youth in Survey Proportion of Youth (%)

Currently employed 154 15.3

Seeking employment 307 30.5

Not seeking employment 194 19.3

Still attending school 350 34.8

Total 1005 100.0

The data presented in table 5.1 indicates that 15.3 per The data on the occupational status of youth was further cent of youth were in employment, 30.5 per cent of youth disaggregated by residence and the fi ndings are presented were seeking employment, 19.5 per cent were not seeking in Table 5.2 employment and 34.8 per cent were still at school.

Table 5.2: Occupational Status of the Youth by Residence –LYES 2013

Responses Urban Rural Average (%) Seeking employment 29.4 30.9 30.5 Not seeking employment 47.4 56.1 54.1 Currently employed 23.2 13.0 15.3 Total 100.0 100 100.0

Page 25 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 The data indicates subtle differences in occupational were not seeking employment as against 56.1 per cent of patterns between urban and rural areas. There does not rural youth in the same category. Finally, the proportion seem to be marked differences in the proportions of youth of youth who were currently employed in urban areas was seeking employment in urban and rural areas wherein in higher in urban areas than in rural areas where it stood at the urban areas 29.4 per cent of youth indicated that they 23.2 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. were seeking employment as against 30.9 per cent of youth in rural areas. The differences begin to occur in the The data collected on occupational status was further proportions of youth not seeking employment whereby in disaggregated by sex and the results are presented in Table the urban areas 47.4 per cent of youth indicated that they 5.3.

Table 5.3: Occupational Status of the Youth by Sex –LYES 2013

Responses Male Female Percentage Seeking employment 30.9 30.3 30.5 Not seeking employment 48.3 58.1 54.1 Currently employed 20.8 11.6 15.3 Total 100.0 100.0 100

When the data is disaggregated by sex, once again subtle 5.3. Employment Status differences were found in the distribution of occupational status between men and women. Fairly similar proportions Employment status as defi ned by ILO (undated) refers to of males and females were seeking employment, 30.9 per the type of economic risk and authority which workers cent and 30.3 per cent respectively. Once again differences have in their jobs in terms of contractual arrangements. are observed in the not seeking employment whereby 48.3 The Resolution concerning the International Classifi cation per cent of young men were not seeking employment as of Employment (ISCE-93) distinguishes six groups against 58.1 per cent of young women. Finally, 20.8 per cent of young men were currently employed as compared to 11.6 of employment status comprising (i) employers; (ii) per cent of young women. employees; (iii) own account workers; (iv) members of producers cooperatives; (v) contributing family workers; and (vi) workers not classifi able by status.1 Data was therefore collected on the status of working youth in their jobs. The results are presented in Table 5.4.

Table 5.4: Proportion of Youth Employment Status by Age – 2012 LYES

Average Responses 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Employer 5.6 0.0 5.9 0.0 0.0 8.6 0.0 2.7 Own-account Worker 5.6 6.7 2.9 16.3 27.5 20.0 31.8 16.2 Farmer 5.6 3.3 8.8 16.3 2.5 14.3 18.2 9.9 Regular Wage/Salary Earner 5.6 30.0 35.3 32.6 42.5 22.9 31.8 30.6 Unpaid Family Worker 61.1 30.0 23.5 20.9 15.0 11.4 9.1 22.1 Casual/Part-time Worker 11.1 20.0 20.6 11.6 12.5 17.1 9.1 14.9 Other 5.6 10.0 2.9 2.3 0.0 5.7 0.0 3.6 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings of the study indicate that the highest (16.2%). Only 2.7 per cent of youth were employers. These proportion of working youth were in the category of regular statistics essentially indicate that the majority of youth are wage earners (30.6%). This was followed by the category working in largely insecure employment environments in of unpaid family workers at 22.1 per cent of youth. Other terms of lack of contractual obligations according to the youth were found in the categories of own account workers ILO classifi cation. (16.2%), casual part time workers (14.9%), and farmers

1. Employees, who get a basic remunerati on not directly dependent on the revenue of the employer - among whom countries may need and be able to disti nguish “em- ployees with stable contracts” (including “regular employees”); 2. Employers, who hold self-employment jobs (i.e. whose remunerati on depends directly on the (expectati on of) profi ts derived from the goods and services produced) and engage one or more person to work for them as ‘employees’, on a conti nuous basis; 3. Own-account workers, who hold self-employment jobs and do not engage ‘employees’ on a conti nuous basis; 4. Members of producers’ cooperati ves, who hold self-employment jobs in a c-operati ve producing goods and services, where the members take part on an equal footi ng in making major decisions concerning the cooperati ve; 5. Contributi ng family workers, who hold self-employment jobs in an establishment operated by a related person, with a too limited degree of involvement in its opera- ti on to be considered a partner; 6. Workers not classifi able by status, for whom insuffi cient relevant informati on is available, and/or who cannot be included in any of the preceding categories.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 26 Table 5.5: Proportion of Youth Employment Status by Sex – 2012 LYES

Responses Male Female Percentage Employer 0.7 5.9 2.7 Own-account Worker 18.2 12.9 16.2 Farmer 16.1 0.0 9.9

Regular Wage/Salary Earner 24.8 40.0 30.6

Unpaid Family Worker 24.8 17.6 22.1

Casual/Part-time Worker 13.1 17.6 14.9 Other 2.2 5.9 3.6 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings were further disaggregated by sex to see and 12.9 percent of both males and females, while casual if there were any differentials. The results reveals that or part-time workers account for 13.1 and 17.6 percent of the highest proportion of female youth (40.0%) were in males and females respectively. regular wage or salary earning jobs compared to 24.8 of males. In addition, there is a high proportion of female The data was further disaggregated by residence and the and male youth who are unpaid family workers (17.6 and fi ndings are presented in Table 5.6. 24.8% respectively). Own account workers account for 18.2

Table 5.6: Proportion of Youth Employment Status by Residence – 2012 LYES

Responses Urban Rural Percentage Employer 1.7 3.1 2.7 Own-account Worker 20.0 14.8 16.2 Farmer 3.3 12.3 9.9 Regular Wage/Salary Earner 41.7 26.5 30.6 Unpaid Family Worker 8.3 27.2 22.1 Casual/Part-time Worker 21.7 12.3 14.9 Other 3.3 3.7 3.6 Total 100.0 100.0 100

The results were further disaggregated by residence and 12.3 percent of youth employment in the rural areas and 3.3 the differentiations of employment status reveals that percent of youth employment in the urban areas. the majority of urban youth (41.7%) were regular wage or salary earners, compared to 26.5 percent of rural youth. The results further suggest that there is a high proportion 5.4. Current Employer (21.7%) of urban youth who are casual or part-time workers compared to 12.3 percent of rural youth. Equally high is the From the youth who are working, data was collected on who proportion of youth in the own account workers category, was their current employer and fi ndings are presented in with urban youth accounting for 20 percent compared to 14.8 Table 5.7. percent of rural youth. The farmer’s category constitutes

Table 5.7: Proportion of Youth Current Employer by Age – 2012 LYES

Age

Current Employer 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Government 0.0 0.0 7.4 17.9 28.6 30.4 29.4 16.2 Parastatal 0.0 0.0 7.4 7.1 3.6 13.0 0.0 4.5 Private 100.0 100.0 81.5 71.4 64.3 56.5 64.7 76.9 Foreign Mission 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 0.8 and Related NGO 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 0.0 0.5 Other 0.0 0.0 3.7 3.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Page 27 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 The data collected indicates that the largest employer of are from the urban areas accounting for 20.4 per cent, youth is the private sector which engaged 76.9 per cent of compared to 17.3 per cent of rural youth. Youth in urban working youth. The second largest employer is government areas also dominate employment in the parastatals which employs 16.2 per cent of working youth and the rest but have very little representation in the private sector are employed by parastatals, foreign missions and NGOs. comparatively, even though this remains the category with highest proportions of youth involved in. A further analysis of the data by sex reveals that there are more females (21.4 per cent) employed in government than males (16.5 per cent). The same is true for youth employed 5.5. Occupation2 in the private sector, where the proportion of females is 7.1 per cent compared to 4.4 per cent of males. There is also In order to understand the specifi c job done by the youth an absolute dominance of males in foreign missions and both in their current or previous employment, we collected NGOs. data on the occupations of youth and the fi ndings are In addition, the results were analysed by residence and they presented in Table 5.8. The purpose is to understand the reveal that the majority of youth employed by government type of work they are currently doing or were involved in both in their current and previous employment.

Table 5.8: Percentage of Youth Current Occupation by Age – 2012 LYES

Occupations 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Legislator, senior offi cials and man- 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.8 3.6 0.0 0.0 1.1 agers Professionals 0.0 0.0 3.7 7.7 14.3 8.3 25.0 8.4 Technicians and associate professionals 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 6.3 0.9 Clerks 25.0 15.8 14.8 7.7 14.3 16.7 12.5 15.2 Service workers and sales workers 25.0 15.8 14.8 26.9 14.3 20.8 6.3 17.7 Skilled Agriculture and fi shery workers 25.0 21.1 14.8 30.8 7.1 25.0 25.0 21.3 Crafts and related workers 0.0 5.3 3.7 0.0 7.1 0.0 0.0 2.3 Plant and machine operators and 0.0 0.0 7.4 3.8 3.6 0.0 0.0 2.1 assemblers Elementary Occupations 25.0 31.6 37.0 3.8 28.6 16.7 12.5 22.2 Armed forces 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.7 7.1 4.2 0.0 2.7 Other 0.0 10.5 3.7 7.7 0.0 8.3 12.5 6.1 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Table 5.8 represents the various occupations youth are is 0.9 percent representing technicians and associate found to be involved in. The results suggest that 22.2 percent professionals, followed by 1.1 percent for legislator, senior of youth are engaged in elementary occupations, while 21.3 offi cials and manager occupations. percent are in skilled agriculture and fi sheries. Service Table 5.9 presents the key fi ndings on the distribution of and sales workers account for of 17.7 percent, followed youth occupations by sex. by clerks at 15.2 percent. The least percentage observed

Table 5.9: Percentage of Youth Current Occupation by Sex – 2012 LYES

Occupation Male Female Legislator, senior offi cials and managers 1.1 1.8 Professionals 9.0 9.1 Technicians and associate professionals 1.1 0.0 Clerks 11.2 18.2 Service workers and sales workers 15.7 20.0 Skilled Agriculture and fi shery workers 31.5 1.8 Crafts and related workers 0.0 7.3 Plant and machine operators and assemblers 4.5 0.0 Elementary Occupations 14.6 34.5 Armed forces 4.5 1.8 Other 6.7 5.5 Total 100.0 100.0

2 Occupation refers to the type of work done in a job by the person employed (or the type of work done previously, (if the person is currently unemployed) irrespective of the industry or the employment status.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 28 The data presented in Table 5.9 indicates that subtle armed forces categories. They also account for the highest differences were found in the analysis of current proportions in the professional as well as legislation, senior occupations undertaken by youth. In the areas of legislator, offi cial and manager’s category. In contrast youth in the senior offi cials managers, professionals, services and rural areas dominate the skilled agriculture and fi shery, sales workers and elementary workers the distribution crafts and related works and service and sales workers differences between men and women were relatively small. categories. However, in the area of clerical work, agriculture and elementary occupations there were signifi cant differences between men and women. 5.6. Current Workplace by Sector There are also very distinct differences in terms of residence, An investigation was also carried out on the key sectors in wherein we observe that in general youth in the urban which the youth were currently employed and the sectors areas occupy the majority of occupations. Their highest they were absorbed in at the time the study was undertaken. representation is observed in the elementary occupations, The fi ndings of the survey are presented in Table 5.10. plant and machine operators and assembly, clerks, and the

Table 5.10: Proportion of Youth Activity/Service/Industry of Current Workplace by Age - 2012 LYES

Age Sector of Current Workplace 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Agriculture 50.0 23.8 17.9 30.8 11.1 21.7 23.5 25.5 Mining/Quarrying 0.0 0.0 3.6 0.0 0.0 4.3 5.9 2.0 Manufacturing 0.0 4.8 10.7 0.0 3.7 0.0 0.0 2.7 Education 0.0 0.0 7.1 3.8 11.1 13.0 23.5 8.4 Health 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.7 0.0 0.0 5.9 1.9 Construction 0.0 9.5 7.1 11.5 7.4 4.3 17.6 8.2 Wholesale & retail, repair of motor vehicles & personal 16.7 19.0 10.7 15.4 22.2 13.0 11.8 15.5 & household goods Transport, storage & communication 0.0 4.8 3.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.2 Financial intermediation 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.0 0.0 1.9 Public admin, defense & social service 0.0 4.8 3.6 15.4 22.2 8.7 5.9 8.6 Private household 33.3 19.0 25.0 7.7 14.8 8.7 5.9 16.4 Other 0.0 14.3 10.7 7.7 7.4 13.0 0.0 7.6 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The most predominant service or activity youth appear to 5.7. Youth Unemployment be involved in is agriculture with a proportion of 25.5 per cent. It is followed by private household which accounts The study went further to analyse unemployment among for 16.4 per cent, and wholesale and retail of goods with the youth in Lesotho. To undertake this analysis a variation 15.5 per cent. Other areas of high activity are construction of ILO defi nition of unemployment was used, wherein the (8.2 per cent), and education at 8.4 percent. Sectors with unemployed comprise all persons above between the ages the lowest youth representation are transport, storage and of 15 and 35 years who during the reference period were: communication, health and fi nancial intermediation, all recording not more than 2.0 percent. 1. without work, that is, were not in paid employment or self employment; When the same results are disaggregated by sex we observe that, by comparison, there are more females in wholesale & retail, private household, education, 2. currently available for work, that is were available manufacturing and fi nancial intermediation than males. for paid employment or self employment; Males are signifi cantly more in transport, storage and communication, construction, mining and quarrying, public 3. seeking work, that is had taken specifi c steps to administration, defense and social service, and agriculture. seek paid employment or self employment.

An analysis of the same data by residence further reveals The Bureau of Statistics, Lesotho adds a particular feature that agriculture accounts for 29.3 per cent of youth activity that such persons should have been without income in the rural areas compared to 8.2 per cent in the urban earning opportunities for at least seven (7) days. From areas. A further 10.1 per cent of rural youth are active in the this defi nition of unemployment, the unemployment rate is education sector, compared to 6.1 per cent of youth in the defi ned as the proportion of unemployed youth expressed urban areas, and 9.1 per cent in construction compared to as percentage of all youth in the labour force. 8.2 per cent of urban youth. In the other categories, there are proportionately more urban youth than rural.

Page 29 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 From the statistics provided in 5.1 the youth unemployment 5.8. Length of Time Job Seeking rate is 30.5 per cent. When the data is disaggregated by residence the unemployment rate is higher in the From the youth who had reported that they are searching rural areas where it stands at 36.4 per cent as compared for employment data was collected on the length of time to 29.4 per cent in the urban areas. When the data was they had been searching for employment and the results disaggregated by sex there did not seem to be a marked are presented in Table 5.11. difference between men and women.

Table 5.11: Proportion of Duration of Time Job-seeking by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Duration 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Less than a month 0.9 2.3 1.9 2.1 2.9 0.0 1.5 4.8 A month to three months 0.4 2.7 2.5 4.8 2.9 3.8 6.2 9.8 3 months to 5 months 0.4 1.4 3.8 4.8 5.8 6.3 3.1 10.7 6 months to 12 months 3.0 3.2 5.7 6.8 8.7 12.5 7.7 20.0 Over a year 3.0 12.3 25.2 28.1 26.0 12.5 23.1 54.7 Total 7.8 21.8 39.0 46.6 46.2 35.0 41.5 100.0

The fi ndings of the survey indicate that 54.7 per cent of differences are very signifi cant between rural youth than youth who had reported to be unemployed had been in that urban youth in all categories. For instance, 4.5 per cent situation for more than a year, 20 per cent had been in that of urban youth take less than a month to fi nd employment situation for periods extending between 6 months and one compared to 6.0 per cent of rural youth. Another 9.4 per cent year and 25.3 per cent had been unemployed for less than of youth in rural areas take a month to three months to fi nd 6 months. a job compared to 9.1 of youth in urban areas. Furthermore, it takes 3 to 6 months for 9.0 per cent of youth in rural areas Evidence provided by the results when disaggregated by to fi nd employment as opposed to 13.6 per cent of youth in sex shows variations in the duration of time spent seeking urban areas, while 19.3 and 18.2 per cent of rural and urban a job by sex. The picture portrayed shows that in general youth respectively take 6 to 12 month to fi nd employment. males take much longer time to fi nd employment than females. 57.0 per cent of males spend over a year to fi nd 5.9. Aspiration to Start Own Business employment compared to 55.1 per cent of females. An additional 19.0 per cent of males take between 6 and 12 months as opposed to 18.0 per cent of females, while 9.1 There is much emphasis in contemporary development per cent of males spend between 3 to 6 months compared discourse that youth should take the initiative to create to 10.7 per cent of females. employment through creating businesses. Data was therefore collected on the extent to which youth in Lesotho would like to take this initiative and the results are presented It is also evident that the length of time seeking employment in Table 5.12. is greater for rural youth than their urban peers. The

Table 5.12: Proportion Youth of Aspirations to Start Own Business by Age - 2012 LYES

Age Business Aspirations 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Want to start a business 27.4 36.4 50.3 63.7 52.9 61.3 50.8 49.0 Do not want to start a 72.2 59.5 46.5 28.8 28.8 28.8 40.0 43.5 business Already owns business 0.4 4.1 3.1 7.5 18.3 10.0 9.2 7.5 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings presented in Table 5.12 indicate that 49 per own businesses, 50.3 per cent do not have any ambitions of cent of youth would like to start their own businesses, 43.5 starting a business and 4.0 per cent of young women own per cent have no such aspirations and 7.5 per cent already businesses. Analysis of the data collected from young men own a business. indicates that 44.1 per cent of young men have aspirations of starting their own businesses, 47.3 per cent do not have When the data was disaggregated by sex, the fi ndings any aspirations of starting a business and 8.6 per cent indicated 45.7 per cent of women would like to start their already own businesses.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 30 Table 5.13: Proportion of Youth Reasons for Not Starting Business by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Reasons 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Percentage Lack of funds 65.1 70.0 85.0 72.0 69.1 75.5 78.8 73.6 Lack of the know-how 20.6 21.3 7.5 22.6 27.3 24.5 15.2 19.8 Other 14.3 8.8 7.5 5.4 3.6 0.0 6.1 6.5 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Invariably, the main reasons for not starting are lack of funds toward a search for alternatives in the negative spheres and lack of knowledge of how to open one. This is attested of crime and delinquency. Furthermore, high levels of to by 73.6 per cent of youth who responded so. Lack of funds unemployment can be key drivers of political unrest. The and lack of knowledge are cited predominantly by the older fi nding of this study indicate that 15.3 per cent of youth are youth as their greatest impediments to starting a business. in employment, 34.8 per cent are still attending school, 30.5 Likewise, lack of knowledge to start a business (19.8 per per cent are unemployed and 19.3 per cent are unemployed cent) remains high for older youth than their younger peers. but not actively seeking employment.

Another dimension to the debate can be explained by Whilst the various dimensions of youth participation in examination of the distribution by sex, where we realise that employment are worth signifi cant attention, unemployment the majority of males report lack of funds as the greatest is by far the most pressing issue facing the youth in impediment to starting a business. Lack of knowledge is Lesotho. As noted above the analysis indicates that the also cited as a prohibiting factor by more females than unemployment rate is 30.5 per cent. This translates to males, with females accounting for 21.2 per cent compared 230 168 individuals. Over half of these individuals (54.7 %) to 17.2 per cent of males. noted that they have been unemployed for more than a year and 73.7 per cent had been unemployed for more than six The difference in youth perception also emerges when data months. Such a large segment of unemployed youth can is disaggregated by residence. For instance, the desire be a source of political and social instability as indicated to start a business is higher for urban youth. A greater earlier in the discussion on youth bulges. This potential proportion of youth (77.2 per cent) cited funding as their for social and political instability is also mentioned in the main reason for not starting a business, as well as lack of National Strategic Development Plan 2012/13 – 2016/17. knowledge to open a business (16.3 per cent). Youth in the rural areas comprise 72.1 per cent of those who cited lack 5.11. Conclusion of funding as an impediment to starting a business and 20.9 per cent who lack the know-how of starting a business. Critical issues to fl ag from this chapter revolve around Other reasons for not starting a business include being youth unemployment, the status of youth employment in school, lack of market for products, lack of equipment, and aspirations of youth to own businesses. On youth disapproval by parents, and general despondency. These unemployment, the fi ndings of this study indicate that reasons are equally important to youth regardless of their the youth unemployment rate stands at 30.5 per cent sex and residence. with 54.7 per cent of youth having searched for a job for more than a year. This calls for grave concern given the 5.10. Discussion fact that the government has a target of creating 10,000 jobs per year. This falls very short of the demand for jobs Youth is a transitional period in the human life cycle indicated by the unemployment fi gures among the youth. straddled between childhood and adulthood. Access to A signifi cant proportion of youth would like to create their employment by youth who are not in school either by way own jobs through owning businesses. However, access to of completion of school or by dropping out of school is fi nance remains a major bottleneck. For youth already in very important in youth’s movement toward the ideals of employment a very large proportion are working in non- human development – a long, free healthy and fulfi lling contractual jobs which is often a refl ection of high levels of life. Equally, the lack of access to decent employment job insecurity. of ten condemns youth to poverty as well as drives them

Page 31 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 CHAPTER 6 FOOD SECURITY

6.1. Introduction Various proxy measures were used to assess the levels of food security among the youth in Lesotho taking into The World Food Summit 1996 defi ned food security as consideration the various dimensions of food security existing “… when all people, at all times, have physical and indicated in the defi nition above. The fi rst is the identifi cation economic access to suffi cient safe and nutritious food that of the principal means through which food is accessed by meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active youth. The second comprises the frequency and percentage and healthy life” (FAO, 2008). This defi nition underscores of meals consumed by youth in a day. The third proxy four major dimensions of food security comprising: (i) the measure comprises the frequency and percentage of meals physical availability of food; (ii) economic and physical per day consumed by youth that contain papa only a day; access to food; (iii) food utilisation; and (iv) stability over the fourth indicator was taken to be the proportion of times these three dimensions1 (ibid). a day that youth eat papa and one or more vegetable a day. The fi fth and fi nal indicator comprised the frequency with The interest of this study in food security among the which youth ate at least one protein in their meals a day. youth is based on two key considerations. The fi rst is that overall food security is a priority development area 6.2. Principal Source of Food in Lesotho as articulated in Vision 2020 and the National Strategic Development Plan. Secondly, successive Lesotho Data was collected to give information on how youth Vulnerability Assessment Reports have indicated that predominantly gained economic and physical access to overall food security situation in Lesotho over the last food. The fi ndings are presented in Table 6.1. decade has been at best precarious.

Table 6.1: Percentage Distribution of Principal Source of Food by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Food Source 15 – 17 18 – 20 21 – 23 24 – 26 27 – 29 30 – 32 33 – 35 Percentage Farming 46.1 41.3 33.5 44.5 34.0 41.3 46.2 41.0 Food Purchases 52.6 57.8 64.6 53.4 64.1 57.5 50.8 57.3 Food Aid 0.9 0.9 0.6 1.4 1.9 1.3 1.5 1.2 Food gifts 0.4 0.0 1.3 0.7 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.6 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Data indicates that youth rely on various sources for their source of food for both men and women is farming whereby food including food purchases, farming and to some extend 41.7 per cent of young men compared to 40.9 per cent of on food aid. At least 57.3 per cent of youth in all age groups young women reported this as their most important source principaly acquired food through its purchase. The second of food. most important source of food among the youth was farming (41.0%). A very small proportion of youth depend Signifi cant differences were found when the principal on food aid (1.2%) and food gifts (0.6%). food source of the youth was investigated on the basis of urban or rural residence of the youth. In the urban areas No substantial differences were found in the principal ways food purchases were by far the most important source of in which men and women accessed food. The results show food for 84.6 per cent of youth compared to 49.1 per cent of that food purchases were the main source of food for both youth living in the rural areas. In the rural areas the most young men and women whereby 56.3 per cent of young important source of food was farming accounting for 49.4 men indicated this as being their principal source against per cent of youth, and 13.7 per cent in the urban areas. 57.7 per cent of young women. The second most important

2 Physical availability of food is the “supply side” of food security and is determined by the level of food production, stock levels and net trade. Physical and economic access - An adequate supply of food at the national or international level does not in itself guarantee household level food security. Concerns about insuffi cient food access have resulted in a greater policy focus on incomes, expenditure, markets and prices in achieving food security ob- jectives. Food utilization is commonly understood as the way the body makes the most of various nutrients in the food. Suffi cient energy and nutrients intake by indi- viduals is the result of good care and feeding practices, food preparation, diversity of the diet and intra-household distribution of food. Combined with good biological utilization of food consumed, this determines the nutritional status of individuals. Stability - Even if your food intake is adequate today, you are still considered to be food insecure if you have inadequate access to food on a periodic basis, risking a deterioration of your nutritional status. Adverse weather conditions, political instability, or economic factors (unemployment, rising food prices) may have an impact on your food security status (FAO, 2008).

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 32 6.3. Number of Meals per Day necessary to lead a healthy life. However, during periods of famine the common strategy is to reduce the number of An average of three meals a day has become a standard meals taken per day. This section looks at the number of practice in many societies throughout the world. It is one meals which youth are able to secure on an average day. element of the total daily required calorie and nutrient intake The fi ndings of this exercise are presented in Table 6.2.

Table 6.2: Number of Meals Eaten per Day – 2012 LYES

Age Number of Meals 15– 17 18 – 20 21 – 23 24– 26 27 – 29 30 – 32 33 – 35 Percentage No Meals 0.9 0.5 0.6 0.0 0.0 1.3 1.5 0.7 One meal 0.4 0.9 2.5 2.1 0.0 2.5 6.2 2.1 Two meals 30.4 31.5 26.1 36.6 29.8 30.0 35.4 31.4 Three meals 68.3 67.1 70.7 61.3 70.2 66.3 56.9 65.8 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings indicate that 0.7 per cent of the youth regularly The data was also disaggregated by residence, where spend a day without having a single meal. Youth who had signifi cant differences were found in the number of meals only one meal per day comprise 2.1 per cent. Youth who taken per day by urban and rural youth. In the urban areas had two meals per day comprise 31.4 per cent. Finally, 79.2 per cent of youth had three or more meals per day 65.8 per cent of youth indicated that they had at least three as compared to 62.9 per cent of youth in the rural areas. meals per day. Conversely, 20.8 per cent of urban youth had two or less meals per day as compared to 37.1 per cent of rural youth. When the data was disaggregated by sex there are some areas showing relative parity in the number of meals taken per day between men and women, and areas where there 6.4. Proportion of Youth Eating Papa Only a are signifi cant differences. Firstly, there is relative parity Day in the proportions of males and females who had three meals a day, 57.7 per cent of females against 52.0 per Papa is a starch staple food among the Basotho. It is cent of males had three meals a day. However, a higher cooked from maize meal mixed with water. In situations of proportion of young men (37.8 per cent) had two meals a food insecurity it is a very common practice for households day as compared to 27.0 per cent of women. Furthermore, to eat only maize meal without any vegetables. The 14.5 per cent of young women had more than three meals objective of this section is to fi nd out the extent to which per day as compared to 7.5 per cent of men. Finally, the this practice is prevalent among the youth as an indicator of proportions of men who had only one meal per day is food insecurity. In a more generic context of the defi nition higher than the proportion of women who had one meal a of food security articulated above, the extent to which youth day and the fi gures stand at 2.8 per cent and 0.9 per cent eat papa only in their meals is one indicator of their dietary respectively. diversity key to their health. Table 6.3: Frequency and Percentage of Times A day Eating Papa Only by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Meal Frequency 15 – 17 18 – 20 21 – 23 24– 26 27– 29 30 –32 33 – 35 Percentage 0 times 53.9 53.9 52.5 56.6 61.5 68.8 46.2 56.2 Once 25.9 22.8 26.6 22.1 17.3 21.3 32.3 24.0 Twice 12.3 13.7 12.0 13.8 10.6 5.0 13.8 11.6 Three times 7.9 9.6 8.8 7.6 15.4 5.0 7.7 8.2 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Table 6.3 presents data on the proportion of youth in each No signifi cant differences were found in the distributions of the four categories of the number of times per day that of young men and women who had papa only in their daily they had a meal comprising papa only per day. The fi ndings meals. The results indicate that 58.9 per cent of young men indicate that 56.2 per cent of youth have never had a meal as against 53.4 per cent of young women never experienced comprising papa only. Furthermore, 24.0 per cent of youth eating papa alone. The results further indicates that 22.4 have had at least one meal comprising papa only. Finally, per cent of young men as opposed to 24.9 per cent of young 19.8 per cent of youth have had two or more meals per day women have experienced eating papa alone at least once a comprising papa only. day, while an additional 11.6 per cent of young men and 12.5 per cent of young women have experienced eating papa alone at least twice a day.

Page 33 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 When comparisons were made between urban and rural 6.5. Proportion of Youth Eating Papa and patterns in the frequency of youth taking papa only, signifi cant differences were found. In the urban areas 73.5 One or More Vegetables per cent of youth indicated that they never experienced Vegetable intake is once again a key component of food eating papa alone compared to 50.4 per cent of rural youth. security as defi ned above within a context of daily dietary Further analysis shows that in the urban areas 16.8 per diversity required for a healthy life. Data was collected on cent of youth indicated that they had papa only in at least the extent to which youth eat papa (the staple starch) with one meal a day as against 26.0 per cent in the rural areas. at least one vegetable a day and is presented in Table 6.4.

Table 6.4: Frequency and Percentage of Times A day Eating Papa & One Vegetable Only by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Meal Frequency 15 – 17 18 – 20 21 – 23 24 – 26 27 – 29 30 – 32 33 – 35 Percentage 0 times 5.7 6.8 8.9 4.9 2.9 8.8 6.3 6.3 Once 24.5 20.5 24.2 27.1 33.7 26.3 35.9 27.4 Twice 42.8 46.1 45.9 46.5 35.6 40.0 31.3 41.2 Three times 24.5 21.5 19.7 18.8 26.0 22.5 26.6 22.8 More than three times 2.6 5.0 1.3 2.8 1.9 2.5 0.0 2.3 Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100.0

The table shows that the proportion of youth who never had one meal a day. Also, 66.3 per cent of young men indicated papa and one vegetable is 6.3 per cent for all ages, and the that they had papa and one vegetable in two or more meals proportion of youth who had papa and one vegetable once a as against 69.1 per cent of young women. day is 27.4 per cent. The proportion of youth who had papa and one vegetable twice a day increases to 41.2 per cent, Signifi cant differences were found when the data was and drops to 22.8 per cent for youth who had papa and one disaggregated between urban and rural areas. In the vegetable three times a day, while the proportion of youth urban areas 11.6 per cent of youth indicated that they who had meals of papa and one vegetable more than three never experienced eating papa and only one vegetable a times a day drops to 2.3 per cent. day as against 4.8 per cent of rural youth. Further analysis indicated that 33.9 per cent of urban youth have had papa The study undertook to evaluate if there were any signifi cant and one vegetable in at least one meal per day as against differences in the intake of papa and only one vegetable 23.4 per cent in rural areas. Finally, 54.4 per cent of urban in the daily diet of youth. Here no signifi cant differences youth indicated that they had papa and only one vegetable were found. The survey results indicated that 6.7 per cent in two or more meals per day as against 71.9 per cent of of young men reported this never happening as against 6.1 rural youth. per cent of young women. Further analysis indicated that 27.1 per cent of young men as against 24.8 per cent of young The question of dietary diversity was further investigated women reported eating papa and one vegetable at least in by asking the extent to which youth had two or more vegetables in their daily diet.

Table 6.5: Frequency and Percentage of Times A day Eating Papa & Two or More Vegetables by Age – 2012 LYES

Age

Number of Meals 15 -17 18 –20 21 – 23 24 – 26 27 – 29 30 – 32 33 – 35 Percentage 0 times 53.9 47.5 49.7 49.7 45.2 53.2 63.1 51.7 Once 19.3 29.7 28.7 25.9 30.8 24.1 20.0 25.5 Twice 15.4 13.7 12.1 21.0 11.5 11.4 9.2 13.5

Three times 10.4 9.2 3.5 12.5 11.4 7.7 9.3

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings of the study indicate that 51.7 per cent of youth 9.3 per cent of youth indicated that they had two or more reported that they never had a meal with papa and two or vegetables three times per day. more vegetables. Further analysis indicates that 25.5 per cent of youth had papa and at least two vegetables once per Data was also collected to fi nd out whether there were any day, and 13.5 per cent indicated that they had papa and two differences between young men and women in patterns of or more vegetables in their meals in twice per day. Finally, the frequency of eating papa and two or more vegetables in

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 34 their daily meals. The results indicated that 49.5 per cent of they had papa and two or more vegetables in one daily meal young men as against 51.9 of young women never had papa as against 23.9 per cent of rural youth. Finally, 29.6 per and two vegetables in their daily meals. Further analysis cent of urban youth indicated that they had papa and two indicated that 25.4 per cent of young men as against 25.8 vegetables in two or more meals daily as against 21.7 per per cent of young women had papa and two vegetables in cent of rural youth. their meal at least once a day. Finally, 25.1 per cent of young men indicated that that they had papa and two vegetables in two or more meals daily as against 22.4 per cent of young 6.6. Proportion of Youth Eating at least One women. Protein a Day

Additional data was collected to fi nd out if there were any Protein intake is another widely used indicator of food signifi cant differences in the intake of papa and two or more security. The types of protein available in the market or vegetables in the urban and rural areas. The data collected produced by some households can include different types revealed signifi cant differences. In the urban areas 38.9 per of legumes such as beans, peas and others, as well as meat cent of the youth indicated that they never had papa and two of different types. Data was collected on the frequency of or more vegetables as against 54.4 per cent of rural youth. eating at least one protein a day in a meal and the results Furthermore, 31.4 per cent of urban youth indicated that are presented in fi gure 6.6.

Table 6.6: Frequency and Percentage of Eating At Least One Protein a Day by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Number of Meals 15 - 17 18 -20 21 - 23 24 - 26 27 - 29 30 -32 33 - 35 Percentage 0 times 19.6 19.5 25.9 22.8 22.3 25.0 33.8 24.1 Once 45.2 47.3 35.4 44.1 40.8 37.5 47.7 42.6 Twice 20.9 20.5 27.8 23.4 20.4 26.3 10.8 21.4 Three times 14.3 12.7 10.7 9.7 16.5 11.3 7.7 11.8 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The data presented indicates that 24.1 per cent of youth 6.7. Discussion reported having no protein rich foods in their daily diet. Further analysis indicated that 42.6 per cent had a protein According to the 2011 LDS, Lesotho’s population stood rich food in at least one of their meals per day, while 21.4 at 1,894,194 in 2011. In 2012 the Lesotho Vulnerability per cent indicated that they had a protein rich food in at Assessment Report estimated that 725,519 individuals were least two of their meals per day. Finally, 11.8 per cent of food insecure and would require humanitarian aid. This youth indicated that they had a protein rich food in three of comprises approximately 38.3 per cent of the population. their daily meals per day. This overall vulnerability situation is bound to affect the youth. This chapter set out to evaluate the extent to which The data did not reveal any signifi cant differences in protein food security was a problem facing the youth. Six proxy intake between young men and young women. The survey measures were used to evaluate the levels of food security results indicated that 22.3 per cent of young men as against among the youth namely (i) the principal source of food; (ii) 23.1 per cent of young women reported not having any the number of meals per day; (iii) the proportion of youth protein in any of their daily meals. Similar proportions of taking only papa in meals daily; (iv) the proportion of youth young men and young women reported having a protein rich taking papa and only one vegetable in their daily meal; and food in at least one meal per day, whereby 41.4 per cent of (iv) the proportion of youth taking papa and at least two young men fell into this category as against 44.1 per cent vegetables per day. of young women. Finally, 36.3 per cent of young men as against 32.9 per cent of young women reported having a protein rich food in at least two or more meals per day. 6.7.1. Principal Source of Food

When the data was disaggregated by the residence of the The overall picture indicates that 41.0 per cent of youth youth signifi cant differences were found in the protein derive their food from farming and 57.3 per cent of youth intake of urban and rural youth; 9 per cent of urban youth depend on food purchases. This fi nding immediately reported not having any protein rich food in their daily diet points to the need for employment among the youth as the as against 26.7 per cent of rural youth. Among those who income derived thereof can be used to purchase food. The had protein in at least one meal per day, 36.7 per cent were results of the study revealed signifi cant differences in the urban youth and 44.8 per cent rural. Finally in the urban patterns of sourcing food between urban and rural areas areas 43.0 per cent of urban youth had protein in at least wherein 84.6 per cent of urban youth purchase their food two or more of their daily meals as against 28.5 per cent of whilst 49.4 per cent of rural youth engaged in farming as rural youth their principal means of accessing food. This fi nding points to the signifi cance of promoting farming among the youth, particularly in rural areas. However, it is important to note the there is a global trend toward tackling food insecurity through urban gardening, where it is possible to undertake. This may be an important option in the light of the high levels of unemployment among urban youth.

Page 35 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 6.7.2. Frequency of Meals Eaten in a Day youth reported not having any protein rich food in their daily diets, while 42.6 per cent reported having a protein rich food in at least one meal and 33.2 per cent having a protein rich It is argued earlier in this report that the reduction in the food in all three meals per day. No signifi cant differences frequency of eating meals is one common coping strategy were found between men and women. However signifi cant for households in situations of food insecurity. The fi ndings differences were found between urban and rural areas. of this study indicated that 34.2 per cent of youth had at two or less meals per day. This indicator suggests that approximately one in three youth is food insecure. This is 6.8. Conclusion not too far off from the national level of food security as estimated by LVAC (2012) which put the national level of Lesotho’s overall food security situation can at best be food security at 38.3 per cent. Not much difference was described as being precarious whereby in 2012 the Lesotho found in the patterns of frequency of taking meals between Vulnerability Assessment Committee estimated that 38.3 men and women. However, some difference was observed per cent of the population was food insecure and would in the patterns of frequency of meals taken in urban and require humanitarian aid. Analysis on six proxy measures of rural areas where 79.2 per cent of urban youth had three food security among the youth indicated that this situation meals a day as against 62.9 per cent of rural youth. Once largely also transcended to the youth. Key issues of note again this indicates higher levels of food insecurity in rural here include the fi nding that food purchases were the most areas as compared to urban areas. important form of access to food by the youth wherein 57.3 per cent of youth reported that this was their principal 6.7.3 Frequency and Quality of Meals form of access to food. The second most important source of food was farming where it was noted by 41.0 per cent of youth as the primary source of food. The implications The frequency of taking papa only, papa and one vegetable, here are that the achievement food security among the and papa and two or more vegetables are primarily proxy youth entails two entitlement values, namely the ability to measures of the quality of food in terms of the food diversity purchase food and the ability to produce food. The ability that is required to meet daily food nutrients. The overall to purchase food will be closely linked to youth’s ability to fi ndings indicate that only 56.2 per cent of youth never had earn money which often is closely linked to their access a meal comprising papa only. This means that 43.8 per cent to employment and their ability to produce food. In taking of youth had a meal comprising papa only daily. forward this thinking it is also important to note that there are signifi cant differences in the patterns of accessing food The fi ndings indicate that only 6.3 per cent of youth never between rural located youth and urban located youth. The had a meal comprising papa and one vegetable in at least fi ndings of this study indicate that fi rst of all the levels of one meal per day. These fi ndings indicate that the quality food insecurity are higher in the rural areas than in the of food intake as an indicator of food security suggest much urban areas. Secondly, the patterns of access to food differ higher levels of food insecurity. signifi cantly wherein in the urban areas the purchase of food is the principal source of food whilst in the rural areas 6.7.4. Frequency of Eating at Least one the main pattern of access comprises producing own food through farming. Protein

Protein intake was the last proxy measure used in this study to indicate the quality of meals that youth take. Protein intake is essential for the development of the body structure. The fi ndings of this study indicate that 24.1 per cent of the

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 36 CHAPTER 7 HOUSEHOLD DRINKING WATER, SANITATION AND ENERGY

7.1. Introduction and household energy sources. This chapter also comprises a discussion of the fi ndings and some recommendations for Access to potable water, sanitary facilities and clean energy policy consideration. In each of the instances effort was are three key factors contributing to social well-being and made to collect data on the levels of access to the utility in are indeed refl ective of the standard of living of individuals. question, to fi nd out the extent to which there may be any The signifi cance of access to clean water and the gender as well as urban and rural differences in patterns of improvement of sanitary facilities is further demonstrated access and utilisation. in their entrenchment in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 7.2. Access to Drinking Water

The objective of this chapter is to examine the patterns of Youth were asked to give the source of drinking water for access that youth have to drinking water, sanitary facilities their households and Figure 7.1 shows the percentages of households and different sources of drinking water.

Figure 7.1: Households’ Sources of Drinking Water – 2012 LYES

Piped water on someone's premises (Commercial) 4.3 Public borehole 1.5 Private borehole 0.4 River 0.2 Spring not covered 7.7 Spring covered 5.4 Private well 2.0 Public well 6.9

Source of Drinking Water Drinking of Source Catchment tank 5.0 Piped water community supply 47.6 Piped water on premise 19.1

0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 Percent

Figure 7.1 depicts that most youth households (71.0%), had small proportion of the youth (1.9 per cent) got water from access to piped water located on their premises or from a boreholes. public or community facilities or on someone’s premises. Piped water in Lesotho is generally the safest water Signifi cant differences in access to water were found when available for households. There were still some youth (7.9 comparisons were made between urban and rural areas per cent) whose households got water from unsafe water and these are depicted in Table 7.1. sources such as uncovered springs and the rivers. A very

Page 37 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 7.1: Source of Drinking Water by Residence – 2012 LYES

Residence Water Source Urban Rural Lesotho Piped water on premises 62.1 6.5 19.1 Piped water community supply 10.1 58.5 47.6 Catchment tank 2.2 5.8 5.0 Public well 3.1 8.0 6.9 Private well 7.5 0.4 2.0 Spring covered 1.3 6.6 5.4 Spring not covered 1.8 9.4 7.7 River 0.0 0.3 0.2 Private borehole 0.9 0.3 0.4 Public borehole 0.4 1.8 1.5 Piped water on someone’s premises (Commercial) 10.6 2.5 4.3 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings indicate that 62.1 per cent of urban households Urban-rural differentials on these and other sources got their drinking water from own-yard standpipes of water are presented in Table 7.1. For instance, in the (piped water on premises) while just 6.5 per cent of rural rural areas 9.4 per cent of the youth got their water from households had this type of access. Majority of rural uncovered springs as against 1.8 per cent of urban youth; households (58.5 per cent) however, got their water from 8.0 per cent of rural youth got water from public wells as community standpipes while only 10.1 per cent of urban against only 3.1 per cent of urban youth; 7.5 per cent or households used this facility. However, as shown in urban youth got their water from private well as against both Figure 7.1 and Table 7.1, 47.6 per cent of all youth only 0.4 per cent of urban youth. households in Lesotho got their drinking water from piped Another signifi cant factor in the way that youth access water on community supply and 19.1 per cent got their water is the length of time that it takes to get to the nearest water on their own premises. potable water source. This is shown Figure 7.2.

Figure 7.2: Time Taken To and From Water Source – 2012 LYES

50.0 45.0 41.4 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 19.9 20.0 17.0 Percent 15.0 9.8 10.0 3.0 3.9 5.0 2.9 2.2 0.0 Water on 00-14 15-29 30-44 45-49 50-59 60-119 120+ premises minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes Return Time

Figure 7.2 shows that, for youth who did not have water accessed water more than one hour away from where they on their own premises, a large portion (41.4 per cent) reside. This fi nding is particularly signifi cant since in a took 0 to 14 minutes to go, get the water and come back large proportion of Basotho society the collection of potable to their dwelling. Another fi nding of this study is the fact water is still largely a woman’s responsibility. This has that 41.7 per cent of the youth accessed water more than signifi cant implications on time management to fulfi l other 15 minutes away. This includes youth (6.1 per cent) who tasks by women.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 38 7.3. Sanitation Facilities to improved sanitary facilities, particularly improved toilets. On the issue of toilet facility available for households, Access to improved sanitary facilities is often linked to Table 7.2 shows the different types of toilet facilities that access to good quality water, overall hygiene and reduced households had as well as the proportion of households potential exposure to water borne diseases. Consideration that did not have toilets. was therefore given to the extent to which youth have access

Table 7.2: Toilet Facility Used by Residence – 2012 LYES

Toilet Facility Used Residence No Toilet Sewage System Septic Tank Soak Away Pit Latrine VIP Latrine Total Lesotho 27.8 2.4 2.4 0.1 24.8 42.5 100.0 Urban 7.1 8.0 7.5 0.4 23.9 53.1 100.0 Rural 33.9 0.8 0.9 0.0 25.0 39.4 100.0

The fi ndings show that about 7 out of 10 youth (72.2 per 7.4. Household Energy Sources cent) indicated that their households had a toilet. Most of them used VIP latrines and pit latrines (42.5 per cent This study undertook to investigate the different types of and 24.8 per cent respectively). However, it is also shown fuels, used as principal energy sources for cooking, heating in that a higher percentage of rural households (33.9 per and lighting by the households in which the youth resided. cent) did not have toilets while only 7.7 per cent of urban households did not have toilets. Also, 8.0 per cent of urban households owned toilets with a sewage system while 0.8 7.4.1. Principal Energy Source for Cooking per cent of rural households did. Also, it seems like a higher proportion of urban households (53.1 per cent) owned VIP The type of fuel used in cooking is very important, as it has latrines compared to only 39.4 per cent of rural households. implications for the ease, speed and effi ciency with which Furthermore, more rural households (25 per cent) owned a this activity could be performed. The type of fuel used for pit latrine compared to 23.9 per cent of urban households. cooking could affect the cleanliness of the food and the On the other hand, more urban households (7.5 per cent) environment. Wood fi res as well as fi res made from cow had toilet facilities with septic tanks compared to just 0.9 dung and wastes could give off a lot of smoke and pollute per cent of rural households. In most respects, higher the local environment (SADC and Land management proportions of urban households had some form of toilet Systems, 1996:10 in 2001 LDS). facility in comparison to the rural households. Youth were asked to give the main type of fuel their households use for cooking and the results are summarised in Table 7.3.

Table 7.3: Main Fuel Type Used for Cooking by Residence – 2012 LYES Residence Main Fuel Type Urban (per cent) Rural (per cent) Lesotho (per cent) Electricity (mains) 36.4 2.8 10.5

Electricity (solar) 0.0 0.1 0.1

Electricity (generator) 0.4 0.1 0.2 Gas 44.3 18.8 24.6 Paraffi n 7.9 7.6 7.7 Coal 0.0 0.4 0.3 Wood 10.5 61.8 50.1 Cow dung 0.4 7.3 5.7 Crop waste 0.0 0.4 0.3 Other 0.0 0.6 0.5 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

The fi ndings of the study indicated that the three most Signifi cant differences were also observed in the patterns prominently used fuels for cooking were fi re wood at 50.1 of fuel used in urban and rural areas. In the urban areas per cent of households, followed by gas at 24.6 per cent, the top three principal fuels used for cooking by households then electricity at 10.5 per cent. Other households also use were found to be natural gas (44.3 per cent) followed by paraffi n and cow dung for purposes of cooking. electricity (36.4 per cent) and fi rewood was used by 10.5 per

Page 39 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 cent of households. In the rural areas the three principal females were responsible for collecting fi rewood as against fuels used for cooking were found to be fi rewood (61.8 per 38.7 per cent who said it was the responsibility of males in cent), followed by natural gas (18.8 per cent) and paraffi n the household. (7.6 per cent). It is worth noting that in the rural areas the use of paraffi n was closely followed by the use of cow dung (7.3 per cent) whereas in the urban areas the use of cow 7.4.2. Principal Energy Source for Heating dung accounted for only 0.4 per cent of households. The use of paraffi n in the urban and rural areas was more or Lesotho has a warm temperate climate with all four less the same in the urban and rural areas at 7.6 per cent seasons of spring, summer, winter and autumn. Much of and 7.3 per cent respectively. rural Lesotho comprises rugged mountainous areas which makes the consideration of principal source of heating a The burden of collecting wood was found to rest mainly with key concern in the analysis of energy use. The distribution females within these households. The fi ndings indicate that of the data collected on the type of fuel used for heating is 61.3 per cent of households use fi rewood for cooking, said depicted in Figure 7.3.

Figure 7.3: Main Fuel Type Used for Heating – 2012 LYES

50.0 47.1 45.0 40.0 35.0 30.2 30.0 25.0

Percent 20.0 15.0 9.8 10.0 4.8 3.5 2.3 2.0 5.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 Wood Paraffin Cow dung Electricity Coal Gas Other Electricity Crop waste (mains) (genarator) Fuel Type

The data collected indicates that, most households of these of households within which the youth reside. youth use fi rewood (47.1%) followed by paraffi n (30.2%) The data was also disaggregated in terms of location and then cow dung (9.8%). The other types of fuel including use the fi ndings are presented in Figure 7.4. of electricity for heating collectively comprise 12.8 per cent

Figure 7.4: Main Fuel Type Used for Heating by Residence – 2012 LYES

Urban Rural

1.8 Other 2.6 Crop waste 0.1

12.5 Cow dung 0.9 58.9 Wood 7.5 3.4 Coal 3.9

Fuel Type 20.1 Paraffin 64.5 0.9 Gas 7.0 Electricity 0.1 2.2 Electricity (mains) 13.6

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 Percent

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 40 There are signifi cant differences in the principal type of fuel urban households used it. On the other hand only 2.2 per used for heating in urban and rural areas. It can be seen cent of rural households used mains electricity for heating that fi rewood is used mostly by rural households (58.9 per compared to 13.6 per cent of urban households. cent), with just 7.5 per cent of urban households relying on fi rewood for heating their households. On the other hand, 64.5 per cent of urban households use paraffi n for 7.4.3. Principal Energy Source for Lighting heating while just 20.1 per cent of rural households used it for this purpose. Also, 12.5 per cent of rural households The analysis of use of energy also covered the principal used cow dung for heating whereas only 0.1 per cent of source of energy for lighting and the fi ndings are presented in Table 7.7.

Table 7.7: Main Type of Fuel Used for Lighting by Urban/Rural Residence – 2012 LYES

Residence Main Fuel Type Urban (per cent) Rural (per cent) Lesotho (per cent) Electricity (mains) 65.8 13.5 25.4 Electricity (solar) 0.0 1.2 0.9 Electricity (generator) 0.4 0.0 0.1 Battery 0.4 0.4 0.4 Gas 0.9 0.4 0.5 Paraffi n 22.8 46.4 41.0 Candles 9.6 37.7 31.3 Other 0.0 0.5 0.4 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

The results of the survey show that that overall, most water sources and sanitary facilities, especially in rural of households used paraffi n for lighting (41.0 per cent) areas. Another important aspect of clean water is the and 31.3 per cent of the households used candles for distance and time taken to and from the nearest of these lighting, while 25.4 per cent of them use mains electricity. water sources and it is commendable that in the case of Furthermore Table 7.4 shows that use of mains electricity Lesotho about 88.1 per cent of households have access to for lighting is higher among urban households than rural clean fresh water within 30 min to and from such water households as 65.8 per cent and 13.5 per cent of urban sources. This is a particularly important consideration and rural households respectively, used it for this purpose. given the fact that the collection of water is principally a One other thing is that, use of paraffi n for lighting was female burden in Lesotho. In this context Moser (1993) more common among rural households as 46.4 per cent of identifi es the provision of water as a practical gender need rural households used paraffi n compared to 22.8 per cent that needs specifi c gender sensitivity when planned for in of urban households. Also, there was a higher proportion development projects and programmes. of rural households that used candles (37.7 per cent) compared to urban households (9.6 per cent). The survey fi ndings also reveal that just over two-thirds (67.3 per cent) of the households had pit and VIP latrines and 7.5. Discussion this was more pronounced in the urban areas with 77.0 per cent of urban households having these latrines compared to 64.4 per cent of rural households. Furthermore, only 4.9 7.5.1. Water and Sanitation per cent of households had fl ush system toilets like sewage systems, septic tank systems and soak-away or pour Availability of clean drinking water and proper sanitary fl ush systems. These were more common among urban facilities plays an important role in ensuring a healthy households (15.9 per cent) than rural households (1.7 per society, prevents unnecessary transmission of cent). On the other hand, 27.8 per cent of households, 33.9 communicable diseases and spreading of epidemics that go per cent in the urban areas and 7.1 per cent in the rural through vectors that thrive in unsafe sanitary facilities and areas, did not have toilets. Generally a large proportion of contaminated water sources. Hence it is promising to see households had access to sanitary facilities and this was that as much as 71.0 per cent of households have access to more so in urban areas. Income levels, level of education, clean piped water and that 72.2 per cent of households have outlook and the way of life in these areas are different built-up toilet facilities. The urban-rural differential shows hence, the different levels of access to healthy sanitary that 67.5 per cent in the rural areas and 82.8 per cent in facilities. Most likely, rural dwellers are not aware of the the urban areas use piped water. It becomes apparent that importance of having a good and well-structured sanitary a large percentage of the population has access to clean facility or even do not have the money needed to set such portable water and this is more pronounced in the urban structures up. area. One can therefore deduce that coverage is low in the rural areas because some rural areas are far from the 7.5.2. Household Energy Sources water grid and are probably in remote inaccessible areas. However there are still small pockets of the population going without clean water and sanitation in the rural areas Analysis of fuels used for cooking and heating revealed a thereby suggesting a challenge to further augment clean very high reliance of the population on bio-fuels, especially fi re wood. Important disparities were found in the use

Page 41 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 of both fuels in urban and rural areas. Once again these supply or generators for heating, with 13.7 per cent and 2.3 differences need to be factored into planning processes in per cent of urban and rural households indicating that they addressing the urban and rural disparities together with the used electricity for heating. The use of bio-fuels was higher gender dimensions. Availability of fuel for cooking, heating in rural areas because it is the only readily and cheaply and cleaning is also a major obstacle to be overcome and available source of energy for heating households whereas the fact that only a small percentage of the population had urban dwellers have easier access to liquid petroleum gas, access to mains electricity makes this assertion even more paraffi n and coal to heat their households, hence higher salient and therefore one that needs to be taken seriously. usage of these in urban areas in contrast to rural areas. Fossil fuels generally have adverse effects on the health of Electricity usage was still generally low because not many the people and on the environment within which they are households in the country are electrifi ed, especially in the used as well as on a global scale and so, ways of generating rural areas. The levels of income also do not make electricity more clean electricity must be explored. However, there for heating viable for most households, even those that are is hope yet, since the nation is currently embarking on electrifi ed, especially in periods of prolonged cold weather plans for construction of a large-scale Hydroelectric Dam like the winter season. at Polihali in the second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Development Project that promises to generate between 800 to 1000 Megawatts of electricity; this promises to bring 7.5.5. Fuel for Lighting more and more households closer to the electricity grid. There are also plans for development of a Solar Plant at With regard to lighting, just over a quarter of the households Mafeteng as well as a Wind Farm at Letšeng as these have (26.8 per cent) used electricity from mains power supply, been identifi ed as the areas of greatest solar potential and solar panels, generators and batteries for lighting while wind power potential respectively. 72.8 per cent use high-carbon fuels like candles, liquid petroleum gas and paraffi n. However, use of electricity for lighting is more pronounced in urban areas (66.6 per cent) 7.5.3. Fuel for Cooking than rural areas (15.1 per cent) while use of high-carbon fuels was just over twice as much in rural areas (84.5 per It has been revealed by the survey that 10.8 per cent of the cent) as in urban areas (33.3 per cent). These are also households, 36.4 per cent in the urban and just 3.0 per cent testament to the level of development in these areas which in the rural households, used mains, solar or generator makes their fuel usage profi les so different. Access to the electricity for cooking while 32.6 per cent use high-carbon retail markets, which depends heavily on the available fuels like liquid petroleum gas, paraffi n and coal. Moreover, transportation and road infrastructure also play a critical 52.2 per cent of urban households compared to 26.8 per role in making these fuels available to all households, cent of rural households used these high-carbon fuels. On urban and rural. the other hand, 56.6 per cent of households use bio-fuels like wood, cow dung and crop waste, for cooking (10.9 per cent in urban and 80.6 per cent in rural areas). Electricity 7.6. Conclusion usage for cooking is twelve times higher in the urban areas than rural areas because urban areas are closer Access to potable water, sanitary facilities and clean energy to the electricity grids and their income levels and socio- are key factors contributing to social well-being and are economic and socio-cultural differences put them in a refl ective of the standard of living of individuals. The fi ndings better stead for such services. It has become clear that the indicate glaring differences in access to piped drinking use of high-carbon fuels is also twice as high in urban than water, ownership of toilet and type of fuel used within youth in rural areas and similar factors as for usage of electricity households. Access to piped drinking water was at a low are at play, in addition to the fact that the urban dwellers of 6.5 per cent in rural areas while it was at a high of 62.1 are closer to the retail centres, therefore they obtain these per cent in urban areas. Differences still persisted even in high-carbon fuels at relative ease and reasonable prices ownership of a toilet since 33.9 percent of youth households than in rural areas where prices are usually steeper. in rural areas did not have a toilet while only 7.7 percent Therefore the only recourse for rural dwellers is use of bio- in urban areas did not have a toilet. Most of these youth fuels, hence usage of these was almost eight times higher households regardless of residence mainly owned a VIP in rural areas than in urban areas. The downside to using latrine. The data also indicates that at a national level bio-fuels is that there could be health and environmental most youth households used unclean fuel for cooking, consequences like respiratory illnesses, as could be the lighting and heating in winter. Nationally 5 households case also with petroleum-based fuels with more potent out of 10 households used fi rewood for cooking. In these fumes like paraffi n and coal. households the burden of collecting the fi rewood rested with the females (63 percent). Comparatively most rural youth households used fi rewood for cooking while urban 7.5.4. Fuel for Heating households mainly used gas for cooking. At a national glace most youth households used paraffi n (41 per cent) The main fuel type used for heating has been found to be for lighting, followed by use of candles at 31.3 per cent. In mostly (57.0 per cent of households) bio-fuels like wood, rural areas youth households mainly used paraffi n (46.4 per cow dung and crop waste, with 71.4 per cent and 8.5 per cent) for lighting followed by candles (37.7per cent) while cent of rural and urban dwellers respectively using it for in urban areas the main source of lighting was electricity this purpose. Then 36.0 per cent of households cited high- (65.8 per cent). It can also be deduced from the fi ndings carbon fuels like liquid petroleum gas, paraffi n and coal as that nationally, wood was the main fuel for heating in youth their main fuel for heating and usage of these was higher households in winter at 47.1 per cent followed by paraffi n in the urban (69.1 per cent) than in rural areas (24.4 per at 30.2 per cent. However, the bulk of usage of wood for cent). On the other hand, only 4.9 per cent of households heating was in the rural area (58.9 per cent) while the bulk indicated that they used electricity from mains power of usage of paraffi n was in urban areas (64.5 per cent).

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 42 CHAPTER 8 YOUTH VULNERABILITIES

8.1. Introduction vulnerability due to the exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Youth is a period in life when many people begin to experiment with sex. Data from the Youth is a dynamic and potentially turbulent phase in the DHS (2009) indicate that generally, cases of HIV infection human life cycle. In this turbulence youth often adopt among youth aged 15-24 represent more recent infections and engage in risky behaviours including initiation of and serve as an important indirect measure for assessing sex, alcohol abuse and drug abuse. This chapter looks trends in incidence. Almost one in 10 persons aged 15-24 specifi cally at vulnerabilities in the areas of risky sexual in Lesotho is HIV positive. HIV prevalence is much higher behaviours, incidence of sexually transmitted infections, among young women (14.0 per cent) than among young commercial sex work, and use of drugs and other harmful men (4.0 per cent). In this section the age of initiation of substances. sexual intercourse, behavioural sex and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections will be looked into. 8.2. Vulnerability through Sexual Practices 8.2.1. Initiation of Sexual Intercourse Lesotho has the second highest HIV prevalence rate in the world which currently stands at 23.0 percent among adults Youth were asked to indicate whether they have ever had aged 15-49. Engagement in intercourse can therefore sexual intercourse, and the results have been disaggregated be a major cause of vulnerability among the youth in by age at fi rst sex, as shown in Table 8.1. Lesotho. Sexual intercourse can be a major cause of youth

Table 8.1: Percentage Distribution of Sexual Activity by Age at First Sex – 2012 LYES

Age at First Sex Ever Had Sex 10 – 12 1.5 13 – 15 15.9 16 – 18 33.6 19 – 21 17.1 22 – 24 3.2 25 – 27 0.8 28 – 30 0.2 Ever Had Sex 73.2 Never Had Sex 26.8 Total 100.0

The table shows that 73.2 per cent of the youth have had Act is a criminal offence. In a similar manner, there are very sexual intercourse at least once and 26.8 per cent never few youth who fi rst initiated sexual activity at beyond the had sex. Of these, 33.6 per cent initiated sexual intercourse age of 21 years, which is the age of maturity. between the ages of 16 to 18 years, while 17.1 per cent were between the ages of 19 to 21 years at the time of their fi rst Comparisons are made between males and females on the sexual encounter. The data further indicated that 17.4 per age at which they initiated sex and the results are presented cent of youth reported that they had initiated sex below the in Table 8.2. age of 16 years, which according to the Sexuakl Offences

Page 43 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 8.2: Sexual Activity by Sex – 2012 LYES

Sexual Activity

Percentage Within Response Ever Had Sex Never Had Sex

Ever Had Sex (Males only) 77.9 22.1

Ever Had Sex (Females only) 70.0 30.0

Males Who Have Had Sex as Percentage of Total 43.3 33.5

Females Who Have Had Sex as Percentage of Total 56.7 66.5

Both Sexes 73.2 26.8

The fi ndings of the survey show that, of the youth who have of all males have had sexual intercourse while a slightly ever had sexual intercourse (73.2% of all youth), 56.7 per lower, 70.0 per cent of all females have ever had sexual cent are females while 43.3 per cent are males, bearing intercourse. in mind that 59.4 per cent of the interviewed youth were females and 40.6 per cent were males. Therefore, additional Data was collected to fi nd out if there are any differences in analysis of the data shows that there is actually a higher patterns between urban and rural youth and is presented proportion of males who have had sexual intercourse than in Table 8.3. females. This is illustrated by the fact that 77.9 per cent

Table 8.3: Sexual Activity by Sex and Residence – 2012 LYES

Sexual Activity

Residence/Sex Ever had Sex Never Had Sex

Urban Males 82.1 17.9

Urban Females 78.2 21.8

Urban Youth 79.8 20.1

Rural Males 76.7 23.3

Rural Females 67.5 32.5

Rural Youth 71.2 28.8

The data collected on the levels of sexual activity among among urban youth than rural youth for both males and urban and rural youth indicates that that there is more females and this is exemplifi ed by the results discussed sexual activity among urban youth than rural youth, and herein prior. this pattern cuts across both sexes. Results to this effect show that, 82.1 per cent of urban males and 76.7 per cent of rural males have had sexual intercourse. On the other 8.2.2. Risky Sexual Behaviour and Practices hand, 78.2 per cent of urban females have had sex while 67.5 per cent of rural females indicated that they have had The concept of ‘risky sexual behaviour’ has two important sexual intercourse at least once. Overall, 79.8 per cent of dimensions within the context in which it is used in this urban youth have had sexual intercourse while 71.2 per research. The fi rst relates to the (in)consistency with which cent of rural youth have done the same. young people use condoms during sexual intercourse and the second relates to the multiplicity of sexual partners. The Therefore an overarching observation from the results fi ndings pertaining to these two dimensions are indicated in of the survey is that sexual activity is only slightly higher Table 8.4.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 44 Table 8.4: Consistent Condom Use by Number of Sexual Partners – 2012 LYES

Consistent Use of a Condom Doesn’t Use Condoms Number of Sexual Partners Use Condoms Consistently Total Consistently Has One Sexual Partner 52.2 47.8 100.0 Has More Than One Sexual 66.1 33.9 100.0 Partner

The data presented in Table 8.4 indicates that 52.5 per consistently as against 33.9 per cent of youth, who had cent of youth who had one sexual partner used condoms more than one sexual partner, who did not use condoms consistently as against 37.8 per cent of youth who had only consistently. one sexual part who did not use condomd consistently. The Figure 8.1 shows the proportions of males and females that fi ndings of the survey further indicate that 66.1 per cent of practice safe sexual intercourse. youth who had more than one sexual partner used condoms

Figure 8.1: Consistent Condom Use by Sex – 2012 LYES

Male Female 100.0 90.0 80.0 70.0 48.9 60.0 50.0 26.6

Percent 40.0 24.5 30.0 20.0 36.9 41.3 10.0 21.9 0.0 Use Condoms Doesn't Use Condoms Never had sex/Not Consistently Consistently currently sexually active

The fi ndings of the youth survey indicate that there is a only 26.6 per cent of females use condoms consistently – a higher proportion of males than females who practice safe difference of over 10.0 per cent. On the other hand, 48.9 per sexual intercourse, and this is demonstrated by the fact cent of females have never had sexual intercourse or are that 36.9 per cent of males consistently use condoms while not sexually active, compared to 41.3 per cent of males.

Page 45 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 8.2: Consistent Condom Use by Residence – 2012 LYES

Urban Rural 100.0 90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 48.1 27.9 50.0

Percent 40.0 24.0 30.0 20.0 40.7 38.1 10.0 21.2 0.0 Use Condoms Doesn't Use Condoms Never had sex/Not Consistently Consistently currently sexually active

Figure 8.2 shows the percentages of youth who consistently the exchange of money or goods for sexual service, either use condoms by urban-rural differentials. The results of regularly or occasionally involving both male and female the survey show that there is a higher percentage of urban youth. Commercial sex work is often associated with youth who are consistent in their use of condoms, as 40.7 sexually transmitted infections inclusive of HIV and AIDS, per cent of them practice safe sexual intercourse, compared and it is also viewed by society in a discriminatory way. There to just 27.9 per cent of rural youth. However, 48.1 per cent have been substantial efforts in the world to understand the of rural youth are not currently sexually active or never had commercial sex work particularly its linkages to HIV and sexual intercourse while 38.1 per cent of urban youth do. AIDS because of the devastation HIV and AIDS have had on a lot of societies.

8.2.3. Commercial Sex The 2012 LYES indicates that a very small percentage (1.5 per cent) of youth has ever engaged in commercial sex work In the 2012 LYES a broad defi nition of commercial sex was and the majority of these youth were females. adopted. According to the defi nition, commercial sex means

Table 8.5: Reasons for the Youth for Engaging in Commercial Sex Work – 2012 LYES

Reason Per cent Needed money 53.3 Was unemployed 13.3 Peer pressure 6.7 For fun 26.7 Total 100.0

Table 8.5 shows the percentages of youth who have stated because of peer pressure (6.7 per cent). different reasons for engaging in commercial sex work. Mostly, these youth who have engaged in commercial sex Residence does not seem to be signifi cant in terms of youth were driven by the need for money (53.3 per cent) and engaging in commercial sex work, and this has been shown unemployment (13.3 per cent) while 26.7 per cent of those in Figure 8.3. who engaged in commercial sex work did it for fun and

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 46 Figure 8.3: Percentage of Youth Who Engage in Commercial Sex Work by Residence – 2012 LYES

Urban Rural

96.9 99.0 100.0 90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0

Percent 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 3.1 1.0 0.0 Ever Engaged in Commercial Sex Never Engaged in Commercial Work Sex Work

The survey data shows that only 3.1 per cent of urban are still females who are in need of money and employment. youth and 1.0 per cent of rural youth have ever engaged in commercial sex work. Therefore, all indication is to the fact Figure 8.4 shows percentages of youth who have engaged in that commercial sex work is not very popular among youth commercial sex work, among both male and female youth in Lesotho. The data also reveals that only 0.5 per cent of respectively. youth still engage in commercial sex, while most of them

Figure 8.4: Percentage of Youth Who Engage in Commercial Sex Work by Sex – 2012 LYES

Male Female

98.5 98.5 100.0 90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0

Percent 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 1.5 1.5 0.0 Ever Engaged in Commercial Never Engaged in Commercial Sex Work Sex Work

The results presented in Figure 8.4 show that 1.5 per cent male to engage in commercial sex work. This is indeed a of both males and females have engaged in commercial sex characteristic worth noting, as this kind of work has often work. This implies that it is as likely for a female as it is a times been associated almost solely with females.

Page 47 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 8.6: Percentage of Youth Who Have Ever Engaged in Commercial Sex Work by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Ever Engaged in Commercial Sex Work Never Engaged in Commercial Sex Work 15 – 17 0.0 100.0 18 – 20 1.8 98.2 21 – 23 1.9 98.1 24 – 26 1.4 98.6 27 – 29 2.9 97.1 30 – 32 3.8 96.2 33 – 35 0.0 100.0

Table 8.6 shows the percentage of youth within each age sexual intercourse in a commercial setting other than the group, who have engaged in commercial sex work. rate of engagement in such activity, hence why none of the very young youth (15 to 17 years old) have ever engaged in it The fi ndings indicate that engagement in commercial sex by virtue of their age only. work is more likely to be found among youth aged between 18 and 32 and that it generally rises with age, from 1.8 per The results of the survey show that 2.8 per cent of the youth cent of the youth aged 18 to 20 to 1.9 per cent of youth aged solicited commercial sex services and only 0.7 per cent of 21 to 23, down to 1.4 per cent among youth aged 24 to 26. them still solicit these services. From this age group, it rises to 2.9 per cent and further up to 3.8 per cent among 33 to 35 year old youth. This Table 8.7 shows the percentages of youth, both males and increase with age probably measures the years of exposure females, who have ever solicited commercial sex services, to certain things which could lead up to one engaging in as well as those still soliciting these services. In this regard,

Table 8.7: Percentage of Youth Who Solicit Commercial Sex Services by Sex – 2012 LYES

No Longer Solicits Never Solicited Commercial Ever Solicited Commercial Still Solicits Commercial Sex Commercial Sex Sex Services Sex Services Sex Services Services Males 93.9 6.1 1.5 4.6

Females 99.5 0.5 0.2 0.3

Both Sexes 97.2 2.8 0.7 2.1

The data indicates that it is more common among males to declined among both males and females since their fi rst solicit commercial sex services than it is among females encounters. with 6.1 per cent of males having solicited it compared to just 0.5 per cent of females. However, it can also be seen In examining the proportions of youth who have ever that as little as 1.5 per cent of males were still soliciting solicited commercial sex services, it has been worthy to commercial sex services while only 0.2 per cent of females view this among urban and rural youth, and the data is were still soliciting commercial sex services, indicating summarized in Table 8.8. that the levels of soliciting commercial sex services have

Table 8.8: Percentage of Youth Who Solicit Commercial Sex Services by Residence – 2012 LYES

No Longer Solicits Never Solicited Ever Solicited Commercial Still Solicits Commercial Residence Commercial Sex Commercial Sex Services Sex Services Sex Services Services Urban 94.7 5.3 1.3 4.0 Rural 97.9 2.1 0.5 1.6 Lesotho 97.2 2.8 0.7 2.1

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 48 Table 8.8 shows that a higher proportion of urban youth lead to the conclusion that soliciting commercial sex is a have solicited and still solicit commercial sex services than problem more common among the urban male population rural youth. It can also be seen that 5.3 per cent of urban than the rural population. youth have ever solicited commercial sex services while 1.3 per cent of them still do. On the other hand, only 2.1 per On the other hand, Table 8.9 shows the percentages of youth cent of rural youth have ever solicited commercial sex and who have solicited and those who still solicit commercial 0.5 per cent of them still do. Therefore tables 8.7 and 8.8 sex services within each of the young age groups.

Table 8.9: Percentage of Youth Who Solicit Commercial Sex Services by Age – 2012, LYES

Still Solicits Never Solicited Commercial Ever Solicited Commercial No Longer Solicits Age Commercial Sex Sex Services Sex Services Commercial Sex Services Services

15 – 17 100.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 18 – 20 98.2 1.8 0.5 1.3 21 – 23 96.2 3.8 0.6 3.2 24 – 26 96.6 3.4 0.7 2.7 27 – 29 98.1 1.9 1.0 0.9 30 – 32 91.2 8.8 3.8 5.0 33 – 35 93.8 6.2 0.0 6.2

The data indicates that it is more likely to fi nd that the older solicit commercial sex services rises with age from 0.5 per youth have ever solicited commercial sex services and this cent for 18 to 20 year old youth to 3.8 per cent for 30 to is shown by the fact that none of the 15 to 17 year old youth 32 year old youth. Also, it has been found that all the 33 to have ever solicited commercial sex services while 8.8 per 35 year old youth who have once solicited commercial sex cent and 6.2 per cent of 30 to 32 year old youth and 33 to 35 services no longer do. year old youth have ever solicited commercial sex services. Generally, it seems with age comes the increased ability or The youth were asked to suggest factors or reasons that opportunity to solicit commercial sex services. However, they think drive their peers into commercial sex work and Table 8.9 also shows that the percentage of youth who still the results are presented in Figure 8.5.

Figure 8.5: Purported Reasons for the Youth’s Engagement in Commercial Sex Work – 2012 LYES

60.0 54.8

50.0

40.0

30.0

Percent 20.7 20.0 13.5 8.2 10.0 2.1 0.7 0.0 Poverty Lack of Boredom and Other Lack of To seek employment lack of discipline and attention and intertainment bad behaviour love Reason

Poverty and unemployment ranked highest at 54.8 per cent Youth were asked to give an opinion on commercial sex and 20.7 per cent respectively, while 13.5 per cent thought work. The fi ndings are given Figure 8.6 shows the opinion it was boredom and lack of entertainment and only 2.1 of the youth about commercial sex work. per cent thought it was out of bad behaviour and lack of discipline.

Page 49 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 8.6: Opinion of the Youth about Commercial Sex Work – 2012 LYES

100.0 95.2 90.0 80.0 70.0 60.0 50.0

Percent 40.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 2.2 1.9 0.7 0.0 It's Immoral It's ok It's cool Other Opinion

The majority of the youth (95.2 per cent) were of the ever contracted STIs and whether they had them treated at opinion that commercial sex work is immoral while only health facilities or not. Table 8.10 shows the percentages of 4.1 per cent thought it is cool and okay. youth who have ever had STIs as well as the percentages of the youth who have treated them at health facilities. 8.2.4 Incidence of STIs

The respondents were asked to report on whether they had

Table 8.10: Incidence and Treatment of STIs by Residence – 2012 LYES

Ever Contracted STIs

Where STIs Were Treated Urban Rural Lesotho

STIs Treated At Health Facility 14.1 4.6 6.8

STIs Not Treated At Health Facility 0.4 0.5 0.5

Ever Contracted STIs 14.5 5.1 7.3

Never Had Sex/Never Contracted STIs 85.5 94.9 92.7

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

Of all the youth, only 7.3 per cent have indicated that they had the same. Furthermore, 14.1 per cent of all urban youth have at one point contracted an STI (Table 8.10) and of and 4.6 per cent of all rural youth have treated the STIs at these, 6.8 per cent have sought help from a health facility a health facility. Analysis by sex reveals that STIs are more while 0.5 per cent did not. This means that 93.2 per cent of common among males than females as 10.0 per cent of all youth who have ever contracted STIs sought help from a males and just 5.4 per cent of females have ever had an STI. health facility. In addition, Table 8.10 shows that incidences of STIs have been found to be more common among urban The results of the survey shown in Table 8.11 also show youth than rural youth as 14.5 per cent of urban youth have occurrences of STIs among youth of all ages. contracted STIs and only 5.1 per cent of rural youth have

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 50 Table 8.11: Percentage Age Distribution of Incidence of STIs by Age – 2012 LYES

Never had sex/Never Contracted Age Ever Contracted STIs Never Contracted STIs STIs

15 – 17 0.4 24.8 74.8

18 – 20 3.6 63.2 33.2

21 – 23 6.3 83.6 9.4

24 – 26 8.9 87.7 3.4

27 – 29 7.7 90.4 1.9

30 – 32 25.0 75.0 0.0

33 – 35 20.0 78.5 1.5

All Ages 7.3 66.0 26.7

The fi ndings indicate that STIs are more common among 8.3. HIV and AIDS older youth than younger youth. This is demonstrated by the fact that just 0.4 per cent of 15 to 17 year old youth have Acquired immunodefi ciency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by ever contracted STIs whereas 25.0 per cent and 20.0 per the human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) that weakens the cent of 30 to 32 year old youth and 33 to 35 year old youth immune system, making the body susceptible to and unable indicate that they have ever contracted STI. This could be to recover from other opportunistic diseases that often lead due to the fact that by the date of interview, given their age, to death. This is a serious public health and socioeconomic the older youth have had a longer period of exposure to problem in many countries around the world. The most sexual intercourse than the younger youth. affected countries are found in sub-Saharan Africa, especially those located in the eastern, central, and southern parts of the continent (DHS, 2009).

Table 8.12: Percentage of Youth Who Know their HIV Status by Sex– 2012 LYES

Knowledge of one’s HIV Status

Sex Knows One’s HIV Status Does Not Know One’s HIV Status Total

Male 55.9 44.1 100.0

Female 67.3 32.7 100.0

Both Sexes 62.6 37.4 100.0

As can be seen in Table 8.12, 55.9 per cent of male youth HIV statuses by urban rural residence. The results of the know their HIV statuses whereas 67.3 per cent of female survey indicate that more rural youth (63.6 per cent) know youth do. Overall, 62.6 of the youth know their HIV status. their HIV status as compared to urban youth (59.2 per cent). However, both in rural and urban areas the majority of the Table 8.13 shows the percentage of youth who know their youth know their HIV status.

Table 8.13: Percentage of Respondents Who Know their HIV Status by Residence – 2012 LYES

Knowledge of one’s HIV Status Total Residence Knows One’s HIV Status Does Not Know One’s HIV Status

Urban 59.2 40.8 100.0

Rural 63.6 36.4 100.0

Lesotho 62.6 37.4 100.0

Page 51 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Furthermore, Table 8.14 shows the percentage of youth who cent) while Mokhotlong has the least percentage of youth know their HIV statuses and Qacha’s Nek has the highest who know their HIV statuses (47.8 per cent). percentage of youth who know their HIV statuses (75.3 per

Table 8.14: Percentage of Youth Who Know their HIV Status by District – 2012 LYES

Knowledge of one’s HIV Status Total District Knows One’s HIV Status Does Not Know One’s HIV Status

Botha-Bothe 67.3 32.7 100.0 Leribe 64.5 35.5 100.0 Berea 70.8 29.2 100.0 Maseru 58.7 41.3 100.0 Mafeteng 68.9 31.1 100.0 Mohale’s Hoek 60.7 39.3 100.0 Quthing 59.4 40.6 100.0 Qacha’s Nek 75.9 24.1 100.0 Mokhotlong 47.8 52.2 100.0 Thaba-Tseka 56.0 44.0 100.0 Total 62.6 37.4 100.0

Table 8.15 shows the HIV prevalence of among youth by age and sex.

Table 8.15: Prevalence of HIV Among Youth by Age, Sex and Residence - 2009

Percentage of Youth Who Are HIV Positive Age Females Males Both Sexes 15 – 19 4.1 2.9 3.5 20 – 24 24.1 5.9 16.3 25 – 29 35.4 18.4 28.1 30 – 34 40.7 40.2 40.5 35 – 39* 42.3 39.3 39.5 Residence Urban 31.0 24.1 27.2 Rural 24.6 16.6 21.1

Source: 2009 Demographic Health Survey *youth population ends with age 35.

From the data presented in Table 8.15, it can be seen too apparent (United Nations, 2000). Violence, particularly that HIV prevalence among youth increases with age and street violence, accidents and unprotected sex often result reaches a peak of around 42.3 per cent among 35 year from drug abuse and illicit drug networks (ibid). Substance old female youth and 39.3 per cent among male youth of abuse also affects the ability of people to function as free similar characteristics. The survey fi ndings show that and conscious beings, capable of taking action to fulfi l there is a higher percentage of females compared to males their needs (UNEFPA, 2011). Overall, substance abuse is who are HIV positive. Also, the fi ndings from the 2009 associated with a lot of negative behaviour and attitude. Demographic Health Survey show that there are more HIV positive urban youth (27.2 per cent) than rural youth (21.1 8.5. Tobacco Smoking and Reasons for per cent). Smoking

8.4. Drugs and Other Harmful Substances There is growing concern that tobacco smoking among youth is on the rise. In this section we examine the extent to which this habit is common among youth with a view of The vulnerability of young people to drug abuse and other confi rming or refuting the allegations. This section presents harmful substances has in recent years become a major the fi ndings on the prevalence of tobacco smoking, the concern. The consequences of widespread drug abuse and intake of alcohol and the drug use among the youth. traffi cking, particularly for young men and women, are all

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 52 Table 8.16: Percentage of Youth Smoking Tobacco by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Smoking 15 - 17 18 - 20 21 - 23 24 - 26 27 - 29 30 - 32 33 - 35 Percentage Smokes 3.0 10.5 17.0 24.7 24.0 40.0 26.2 20.8 Doesn’t Smoke 97.0 89.5 83.0 75.3 76.0 60.0 73.8 79.2 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Results of the survey show that the highest proportion of When the data is disaggregated by residence there is smokers is among the 30-32 age groups at 40.0 per cent. not much difference in the proportions of youth who are Inversely 97.0 per cent of the 15-17 do not smoke followed smokers in the urban and rural areas. In the urban areas by 89.5 for the 18-20 age groups, and 83.0 per cent in the 17.1 per cent of youth indicated that they are smokers as 21-23 age groups. The proportion of smokers is 20.8 per against 16.6 per cent of youth in rural areas. cent compared to 79.2 per cent that do not smoke. Youth are attracted to smoking for different reasons. It is When the data is disaggregated by sex, the fi ndings indicate imperative to understand some of the reasons that drive the that smoking is more prevalent among young men than youth to indulge in smoking, despite efforts to discourage young women wherein 34.6 per cent of young men indicated smoking in general. that they were smokers as against only 4.5 per cent of young women.

Table 8.17: Percentage of Youth Reasons for Smoking by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Reason 15 - 17 18 - 20 21 - 23 24 - 26 27 - 29 30 - 32 33 - 35 Percentage For entertainment 0.0 30.4 18.5 2.9 20.0 9.4 11.8 13.3 To release stress 57.1 13.0 48.1 51.4 32.0 50.0 58.8 44.4 Because my friends & peers 42.9 52.2 33.3 37.1 36.0 31.3 29.4 37.5 smoke Other 0.0 4.3 0.0 8.6 12.0 9.4 0.0 4.9 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The youth cited a variety of reasons for smoking. Among Signifi cant differences in reasons for smoking were found them are smoking for entertainment, smoking to release when the data was disaggregated by residential location. stress, and smoking because of peer pressure. The data Youth who smoke for entertainment account for 23.1 and collected indicates that 44.4 per cent of respondents smoke 10.9 per cent for urban and rural areas, whereas those who to release stress, while 37.5 per cent said they smoke smoke to release stress recorded 46.2 per cent for urban because friends smoke, and an additional 13.3 per cent and 42.2 per cent for rural. The proportion of youth who smoke for entertainment. smoke because their friends or peers also smoke is higher for rural (28.2per cent) than urban youth (39.8 per cent). The reasons for smoking provided by the youth reveal distinctive differences by sex. For the youth who smoke for 8.6. Alcohol Drinking and Reasons for Drinking entertainment, 15.0 per cent were males compared to 7.4 per cent for females. Males also constitute the majority (38.6 per cent) of those who smoke to release stress, while Data was collected on the patterns of alcohol consumption females constitute only 3.0 per cent. In addition, males who among the youth and the results are presented in Table smoke because their peers smoke account for 42.1 per cent 8.18. and females account for 11.1 per cent.

Table 8.18: Percentage of Youth Drinking Alcohol by Age – 2012 LYES Age

Drinking 15 - 17 18 - 20 21 - 23 24 - 26 27 - 29 30 - 32 33 – 35 Percentage

Drinks 4.8 12.3 17.0 21.2 29.8 32.5 20.0 19.7

Doesn’t Drink 95.2 87.7 83.0 78.8 70.2 67.5 80.0 80.3

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

Page 53 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 The results of the survey indicates that 80.3 per cent of When the data was disaggregated by residential location, youth does not drink alcohol, while only 19.7 per cent do. youth in the urban areas appear to drink more than their The distribution of drinking by sex reveals that there are rural peers. The fi ndings of the study indicate that 28.1 more males who drink than their female counterparts. The per cent are reported to drink compared to 13.3 per cent data indicates that 30.4 per cent of males drink alcohol of rural youth. Conversely, 87.6 per cent of rural youth as compared to only 7.2 per cent of females who reported indicated that they do not drink as compared to 71.9 per drinking alcohol. cent of urban youth.

Table 8.19: Percentage of Youth Reasons for Drinking Alcohol by Age – 2012 LYES Age

Reason 15 - 17 18 - 20 21 - 23 24 - 26 27 - 29 30 - 32 33 - 35 Percentage

For entertainment 81.8 70.4 59.3 61.3 54.8 38.5 46.2 58.9

To release stress 9.1 7.4 18.5 19.4 16.1 34.6 30.8 19.4 Because my friends & 9.1 18.5 22.2 16.1 25.8 26.9 23.1 20.3 peers drink it Other 0.0 3.7 0.0 3.2 3.2 0.0 0.0 1.5

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The data collected indicates that the proportions of youth of females reported drinking for entertainment compared who drink for entertainment is 58.9 per cent compared to 54.0 per cent of males. On the contrary, 21.0 per cent of to 19.4 per cent of youth who drink to release stress. males drink to release stress compared to 14.0 per cent of Furthermore, the proportion of youth who drink because females, while an additional 23.4 per cent of males drink friends drink is 20.3 per cent. Drinking for entertainment is because friends drink compared to 16.3 per cent of females. therefore the most common reason for drinking, compared to drinking to release stress and because friends and peers drink. 8.7. Substance Abuse and Reasons for Use

There are various types of narcotic drugs and substances When the data and patterns of drinking and the reasons available and accessible to youth. Data was thus collected given for drinking was disaggregated by sex, 67.4 per cent on the use of narcotic drugs among the youth and the results are presented in Table 8.20.

Table 8.20: Percentage of Youth Substance Use by Age – 2012 LYES

Age Responses 15 - 17 18 - 20 21 - 23 24 - 26 27 – 29 30 - 32 33 - 35 Percentage Uses Substances 2.2 2.7 3.8 3.4 3.8 7.5 4.6 4.0 Doesn’t Use Substances 97.8 97.3 96.2 96.6 96.2 92.5 95.4 96.0 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

The data indicates that the overall use of substances is youth health and HIV and AIDS as well as policymakers, relatively low among youth. The survey shows that 4.0 per as they constantly have to understand the behaviour cent of youth across ages use substances, while 96.0 per of these youngsters and develop means of making life cent does not use substances. Data further shows that 97.1 as safe and as healthy as possible for them. Churches, per cent of males use substances compared to 2.9 per cent religious organisations as well as government agencies of females. work tirelessly to promote sexual and reproductive health among youth and advocate for abstinence before marriage. However, the fact that many of the young people get infected 8.8. Discussion with HIV and other STIs is an indication that their efforts and strategies are still far from effective. 8.8.1. Sexual Activity

Apart from advocating for abstinence, government bodies Sexual activity among youth is as a very important aspect and other non-governmental organisations have distributed of fertility and population growth but, is also a cause for condoms freely to people of all ages and carried out concern among government offi cials responsible for

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 54 educational campaigns to teach people of the importance of therefore nullifying the sense of security one feels in such safe sexual intercourse. However, only a small proportion of a relationship. It merits further investigation why more the sexually active youth seem to use condoms consistently. females and more rural youth seem to be practising unsafe However, a slight improvement is probably achieved and sex than males and urban youth. condoms have been accepted in society and are now used by youth although many are not consistent in using them 8.8.3. Incidence of STIs meaning more work needs to be done for youth to be consistent in the use of condoms. The survey fi ndings reveal that 7.3 per cent of the youth have contracted STIs and that 14.5 per cent of urban youth The survey fi ndings demonstrate that 54.2 per cent of the have contracted them compared to 5.1 per cent of rural youth are currently sexually active. However, 73.2 per cent youth. Furthermore, incidences of STIs have been found to of the youth have had sexual intercourse at least once and be more common among older youth aged between 24 and 68.1 per cent of them have had sexual intercourse before 35 years. The fi ndings also indicate that 93.2 per cent of all the age of 22. Moreover, a higher proportion of males (77.9 youth who have contracted STIs have treated them at health per cent) have had sexual intercourse compared to females facilities. This leads to the conclusion that incidence of STIs (70.0 per cent). But, in terms of numbers, a slight majority among youth; especially younger youth is generally low. (56.7 per cent) of youth who have had sexual intercourse are Liberalisation of traditional norms and more secularisation females. Residential differentials show that a bigger portion among urban dwellers is the probable cause for the high of urban youth (79.8 per cent) has had sexual intercourse rate of incidence of STIs among urban youth than rural compared to rural youth (71.2 per cent). The age at fi rst youth, upon which the socio-cultural institutions related sexual intercourse might be a cause for concern for the to sexual intercourse are still probably heavily enforced, youth among relevant policymakers and organisations leading to lower cases of sexual intercourse among rural advocating for abstinence before marriage. A large number youth and therefore lower incidence of STIs among them. of youth start out having sexual intercourse at an early age when they are not mentally or emotionally mature enough to deal with the consequences of having sexual intercourse. It 8.8.4. Commercial Sex is shown by the results that it is more likely for a male youth than a female youth to have sexual intercourse probably The survey fi ndings show that 1.5 per cent of the youth have because of the physiological and neurological differences engaged in commercial sex work, 3.1 per cent in the urban between the two sexes which makes males more likely to areas and 1.0 per cent in the rural areas. In addition, 66.6 engage in sexual intercourse. per cent of them said they engaged in commercial sex work because they needed money and others because they were 8.8.2. Risky Sexual Behaviour unemployed while 33.4 per cent did so because of peer pressure and pursuit of fun. Now, it has been found that 2.8 per cent of the youth have solicited commercial sex and The fi ndings of this survey indicate that 30.7 per cent of that 2.1 per cent still do. Commercial sex work does not the youth are currently sexually active and use condoms seem to be a very popular activity among youth and so, this consistently while 23.4 per cent do not use them consistently. suggests that the contribution of commercial sex workers Also, the results indicate that youth with many sexual to the spread of STIs or HIV is probably overemphasised or partners practice safe sex than single-partner youth as erroneously exaggerated. The fact that only 2.1 per cent of 52.2 per cent of youth with one sexual partner use condoms the youth interact with the 1.5 per cent of the youth who consistently, compared to 66.1 per cent of those with more exchange sex for money or goods further reinforces this than one sexual partner. Furthermore, 36.9 per cent of male assertion. Of immediate concern however, are the reasons youth use condoms consistently and 24.5 per cent do not this small portion of the youth engage in commercial sex while the rest are sexually inactive. On the other hand, 26.6 work and this sheds a different light as they show that per cent of female youth use condoms consistently, 24.5 per poverty and unemployment are the leading causes while cent do not and the rest are sexually inactive. In addition, lack of recreation is the second leading factor, with the 40.7 per cent of urban youth use condoms consistently third being frivolous youthful exploration, delinquency and while 21.1 per cent do not and, 27.9 per cent of rural youth to some extent peer pressure. So, social and economic use condoms consistently whereas 24.0 per cent do not. underpinnings of this behaviour cast a different light in how to approach this problem.

Safe sexual activities are more common among youth with multiple-concurrent partners probably because Furthermore, when asked, 75.5 per cent of the youth were they know that being in multiple concurrent relationships of the opinion that youth engage in commercial sex work increases their risk of contracting STIs and HIV and because of poverty and unemployment while 24.5 per cent that consequences like unplanned pregnancies become thought it is because of boredom, lack of entertainment, manifold in their situation, leading them to practice more ill-discipline and others say it is because of attention- consistent use of condoms. Among youth with one sexual seeking behaviour. On the other hand, 95.2 per cent of partner, it is possibly lower because it gives them a sense the youth said they thought commercial sex was immoral of security in that they are only involved with one person, while 4.8 per cent said they have nothing against it. Poverty however this could be very misleading as the other partner and unemployment are once again cited as the leading may not necessarily be faithful or even free of STIs or HIV

Page 55 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 causes for youth engaging in commercial sex work. It is low, they still constitute a concern that there are young also important to note that this kind of behaviour is held people learning this futile habit. The dangers of drinking in great contempt by a large percentage of the youth and among young people are also great, considering their probably of the general population. Therefore, the levels of vulnerabilities as young people. stigmatisation or even victimisation of those who engage in As with smoking, there are more males than females commercial sex work are likely to be very high. So, laws and that drink. The reasons for drinking are more similar to policies related to this issue should probably take this into those provided by smokers, namely, to release stress; for careful consideration. entertainment; and because of peer pressure. The rural youth, however, reported drinking because of their friends 8.9. Alcohol, Drugs and Other Substances and peers as the major reason for them than urban youth.

Youth drug use is driven by attitudes. When young people 8.10. Conclusion perceive drugs as risky and socially unacceptable, youth drug use tends to drop. Conversely, when children perceive less risk and greater acceptability in using drugs, their use Youth vulnerability was discussed in the context of tends to increases. exposure to sex as a medium of transmitting HIV and STIs, commercial sex work and use of tobacco, alcohol and other harmful substances. Findings indicate that 73.3 per cent These experiences, whether a result of peer pressure or of youth had ever had sex and 17.7 per cent of them had socioeconomic factors, can permanently alter the user’s initiated sexual intercourse below the age of 16. Sexual course of life, channeling the individual down a path toward debut below 18 years is a violation of law in Lesotho. drug abuse and addiction before he or she ever has the Furthermore more urban youth were observed to have ever opportunity to reach his or her academic and professional had sex as compared to their rural counterparts. Study also potential. Because the potential of children and adolescents indicates a low consistent condom usage amongst youth is so great and because their vulnerability to drug abuse that were sexually active (30.7 percent). However, its further is very high, the loss of these individuals to the world of highlights that youth who had more than one sexual partner drug addiction is considered a grave tragedy. It is for these youth used condoms consistently more than those who had reasons that many societies have invested so deeply in only one sexual partner. In There also reported cases of programs oriented toward awareness and prevention of contraction of STIs by youth, 7.3 per cent reported that they drug abuse. had ever contracted an STI, 6.8 percent of this 7.3 per cent Individuals use alcohol and drugs as agreeable effectors of reported the STI was treated at a health facility. desired mood alteration, such as altering dysphoric mood or masking unease and pain, and to enable participation in the various small groups with which they are required to The fi ndings also indicate a very low percentage of youth associate. who knew their HIV status (62.6 percent), with more females (67.3 per cent) knowing their status than males (55.9 per cent). Interestingly more rural youth (63.6 per cent) knew 8.9.1. Smoking their HIV status as compared to their urban counterparts (59.2 per cent). Findings indicate that the burden of HIV More males than females are smokers. However, as a infection was within the youth population. HIV prevalence proportion of the total youth population, the number of increased with age and peaked at age group 30-35, with smokers is reasonably low. The proportion of smokers is females having the highest HIV prevalence across all age higher for urban youth than their rural peers. groups.

Another highlight of the study is that a very small percentage Reasons for smoking vary greatly. Some smoke to please (1.5 per cent) of youth had ever engaged in commercial their peers, while others smoke for entertainment. In sex work and the majority of these youth were females. addition, there are some youth who smoke because of Furthermore, majority of these youth resided in urban in some form of illnesses, while others do it to release stress. areas. The need for money and unemployment were cited Whatever the reasons may be, smoking is becoming as major reasons for engaging in commercial sex work by popular among youth. these youth. The study also shows that majority of youth were of the opinion that commercial sex work is immoral. 8.9.2. Drinking Further afi eld the fi ndings indicate varying usage of alcohol, tobacco, drugs and other harmful substances Wide variations exist in young people’s drinking and with males using all three more than females. Youth that attitudes to alcohol around the world, infl uenced by family, smoked tobacco were estimated at 20.8 per cent. Majority peers, schools, ethnic and religious upbringing, media, said they smoked mainly to release stress and due to peer advertising, and national and cultural contexts. Uptake of pressure (44.4 per cent and 37.5 per cent respectively). alcohol consumption in early adolescence can mark both Similar pattern was observed on drinking of alcohol where a rite of passage between childhood and adulthood and a 19.7 per cent reported that they drank alcohol. More than phase of limit-testing, transgression, or deviance from half of those who said drank alcohol said they drank it for adult social constraints. entertainment followed by those who said they drank it The overall picture regarding drinking is that a small because of peer pressure. proportion of youth drink. Even though the fi gures are

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 56 CHAPTER 9 HEALTH SERVICES UTILISATION

9.1. Introduction 9.2. Health-seeking Behaviour

Health care utilisation is the use of health care services Health-seeking behaviour refers to, knowledge, attitudes, by people and it is affected by several factors. The most behaviour and practices that people have relating to their important being structural (location, and its relationship to health and well-being as well as where and how they seek access for public transport), administrative (how effi ciently health services and reasons for their health and medical the facility is being managed), the cost of health care and preferences in the pursuit for health and well-being. The the health seeking behaviour of the people. This denotes behaviour of the youth will be examined within this context a complex interaction of different factors in determining in this section. Majority of the surveyed youth, as depicted in utilisation of health services. It is important for the youth to Figure 9.1, seek medical help from the clinics and hospitals seek appropriate and timely health care to avoid undesirable when they are ill. health outcomes and medical emergencies.

Figure 9.1: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought – 2012 LYES

Other 3.1

Family and Friends 0.6

Spriritual Healer 0.7

Traditonal Healer 1.5

Private doctor/nurse 2.9

Hospital 31.4

Where Medical Help Is Sought Clinic 59.8

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 Percent

The fi ndings indicate that the majority of the youth go the Moreover, Figure 9.2 shows the percentages of youth who clinics and hospitals (59.8% and 31.4% respectively) while seek help from different places and/or people, among a very small number seek help from family and friends, urban and rural households separately and in comparison. spiritual healers, traditional healers and private doctors/ nurses (0.6 per cent, 0.7 per cent, 1.5 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively).

Page 57 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 9.2: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought by Residence – 2012 LYES

Urban Rural

3.0 Other 3.5 0.5 Family and Friends 0.9 0.5 Spriritual Healer 1.3 1.8 Traditonal Healer 0.4 1.8 Private doctor/nurse 6.6 27.7 Hospital 44.3

Where MedicalWhere Help is Sought 64.7 Clinic 43.0

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 Percent

The fi ndings show that 64.7 per cent of rural youth seek places and/or people. More females go to clinics compared medical help from clinics while 27.7 per cent of them seek to their male counterparts, as 62.3 per cent of females help from hospitals. But, only 43.0 per cent of urban youth seek medical help from clinics in times of illness while 56.1 seek medical help from clinics and the other 44.3 per per cent of males go to clinics for help. However, 33.3 per cent then seek help from hospitals and 6.6 per cent from cent of males seek help from hospitals in times of illness private doctors or nurses. Therefore, the results suggest compared to a slightly lower 30.2 per cent of females. Also, that clinics are probably within easier reach of the rural 3.2 per cent of males seek help from private doctors or population than hospitals whereas in urban areas, both nurses while 2.7 per cent of females do the same. Also, 2.7 hospitals and clinics are most probably within easy reach per cent of males seek help from traditional healers while of the people. just 0.7 per cent of females seek medical help from this source. On the other hand, Figure 9.3 shows the percentages of male and female youth who seek medical help from various

Figure 9.3: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought by Sex – 2012 LYES

Male Female

2.8 Other 3.4 0.5 Family and Friends 0.7 0.8 Spriritual Healer 0.5 0.7 Traditonal Healer 2.7 2.7 Private doctor/nurse 3.2 30.2 Hospital 33.3

Where MedicalWhere Help is Sought 62.3 Clinic 56.1

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 Percent

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 58 Table 9. 1: Percentage Distribution of Places/People Where Medical Help Is Sought by Age – 2012 LYES

Where medical help is sought in times of illness Private doctor/ Traditional Spiritual Family and Age of Respondents Clinic Hospital Other Total nurse Healer Healer Friends 15 – 17 60.9 32.6 0.9 1.3 0.4 0.0 3.9 100.0

18 – 20 56.4 34.1 2.7 0.0 0.9 1.4 4.5 100.0

21 – 23 54.1 35.8 5.0 1.3 1.3 0.6 1.9 100.0

24 – 26 59.6 30.1 5.5 1.4 0.0 1.4 2.1 100.0

27 – 29 61.5 29.8 2.9 3.8 0.0 0.0 1.9 100.0

30 – 32 70.0 21.2 1.2 2.5 1.2 0.0 3.8 100.0

33 – 35 66.2 26.2 1.5 3.1 1.5 0.0 1.5 100.0

Table 9.1 shows percentages of youth, by age group, who old youth. A somewhat contrary observation can be made seek medical help from different places and/or people. about hospitals as less people use hospitals as they grow older, implying that the uses of hospitals and clinics are The results of the survey suggest that clinics and hospitals unequivocally linked. are widely used by youth of all age groups. However, careful scrutiny shows that 60.9 per cent and 32.6 per cent of the younger 15 to 17 year old youth seek medical help 9.3. Rating of Health Services from clinics and hospitals respectively, in times of illness. Between ages 18 and 23, it seems like hospital services Youth were asked to give a rating of their perception on the utilization drops to 56.4 per cent and further down to 54.1 quality of health services that they received. Figure 9.4 per cent. From this point forward, the rate at which youth go shows the ratings of the different health services that have to hospitals increases from 615 per 1000 (61.5 per cent) to been given for health services. a peak of 700 per 1000 youth for those aged 30 to 32 years old from whence it declines to 66.2 per cent for 33 to 35 year

Figure 9.4: Rating of Health Services – 2012 LYES

100 90 80 70 61 60 50

Percent 40 27.3 30 20 6.7 10 5.1 0 Poor/Very Poor Good/Just ok Excellent/Very Can't rate Good Rating

Generally, most youth rated the places they utilise for health the services as very poor. These results displayed in Figure services as good, just okay, excellent while some abstained 9.4 show that 61.0 per cent of the youth rated the health from rating (35.4 per cent, 25.6 per cent, 5.1 per cent and services as good or just ok, while 27.3 per cent rated them 6.7 per cent respectively). Also, 4.3 per cent of them rated as poor or very poor.

Page 59 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 9.2: Rating of Health Services by Places/People Where Medical Help is Sought – 2012 LYES

Rating of Health Services

Where Medical Help Is Sought Poor/Very Poor Good/Just ok Excellent/Very Good Can’t rate Total

Clinic 29.5 64.2 5.0 1.3 100.0

Hospital 30.4 63.3 3.8 2.5 100.0

Private doctor/nurse 0.0 79.3 17.2 3.4 100.0

Traditional Healer 6.7 26.7 13.3 53.3 100.0

Spiritual Healer 0.0 0.0 28.6 71.4 100.0

Family and Friends 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 100.0

Other 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 100.0

Table 9.2 illustrates the ratings of services at the different poor or very poor. On the other hand, 79.3 of youth who use health facilities available to the youth. The data shows that, private doctors and nurses have rated them as good or just 64.2 per cent of youth who use clinics when ill, rated them as ok, with 17.2 per cent rating them as excellent or very good. good or just ok, while 29.5 per cent rated the clinics as poor or very poor. The hospitals were rated as good or just ok by Table 9.3 shows some of the reasons put forward for the 63.3 per cent of the youth who utilised them, while 30.4 per given service ratings. cent of the youth have rated the services at the hospitals as

Table 9.3: Reasons for the Rating of Health Services – 2012 LYES

Rating of Health Services Reason for Rating Poor/Very Poor Health workers were rude/Unfriendly 28.2 Service was slow 26.7 Drug shortage 19.5 Long lines 7.9 Few health workers given the patients 7.3 Place did not open in time 5.0 Other 5.4 Total 100.0

The data collected indicates that, among those who said than rural youth (43.0 per cent) going to hospitals for help. the services were poor or very poor, 28.2 per cent said Conversely, there are more rural youth (44.3 per cent) health workers were rude or unfriendly. Also, 26.7 per compared to urban youth (27.7 per cent) who go to clinics cent of those who rated the services as very poor and poor for help. Also, a higher percentage of females (62.3 per stated that they gave this rating because the service was cent) go to clinics compared to males (56.1 per cent) while slow. Furthermore, 19.5 per cent of the youth who rated the 33.3 per cent of males go to hospitals compared to 30.2 health services as very poor and poor said they gave this per cent of females. It seems that majority the youth of all rating because of frequent drug shortage at these health ages go to recommended health centres for help. There is facilities. a generally positive health-seeking behaviour among most youth, male or female, urban or rural alike. The urban-rural differential may indicate that clinics are more accessible to 9.4. Discussion urban dwellers than rural dwellers.

9.4.1. Health-seeking Behaviour 9.4.2. Quality of Health Services

The results of the survey show that 94.1 per cent of the Over a quarter of the youth (27.3 per cent) have rated the youth seek medical help at hospitals, clinics or private health services that they have received as poor and very doctors, while 2.8 per cent seek help from traditional and poor while 61.0 per cent thought the services were good spiritual healers as well as friends and family. However, and just okay. Also, 64.2 per cent of clinics, 63.3 per cent it seems that there are more urban youth (64.7 per cent)

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 60 of hospitals and 79.3 per cent of private doctors have been the youth in the health sector and already suggest action rated as good or just okay. On the other hand, 29.5 per cent that must be taken to improve the health sector. of clinics and 30.4 per cent of hospitals have been rated as poor/very poor. This indicates that most of the clinic or hospital services are fairly satisfactory to the users of such 9.5. Conclusion with private doctors receiving the highest commendation in this category. Also, the fact that most people use hospitals, The youth are faced with myriad health challenges such as clinics and private doctors is an indication that these are STIs, HIV and AIDS, maternal morbidity and mortality, and the more accessible health facilities in terms of distance sexual abuse which require appreciate health utilisation. and reach and also suggest that these are the places most The fi ndings of the study indicate that 91.2 per cent of youth people have confi dence of receiving the kind of help they sought health services from clinics and hospitals, with need as very few go to spiritual healers and traditional females dominating utilisation of clinics while more males healers to seek medical help. dominated utilisation of hospitals. There was not much disparity in health seeking behaviour of females and males. However, those who rated these services as poor or very Most youth rated health facilities they utilised as just poor, 46.2 per cent have mentioned that the services were reasonable or average (61 per cent) while 23.7 per cent very slow and there were frequent drug shortages and 28.2 rated them as poor or very poor mainly due to rude or per cent said that health workers were rude and unfriendly. unfriendly health workers, slow service delivery and In addition, 20.2 per cent of the youth said late opening, few shortage of drugs. health workers and long queues are the reason they have given this rating. These point to specifi c areas of concern by

Page 61 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 CHAPTER 10 SPORTS AND RECREATION

10.1. Introduction objectives of using sport as a key mechanism through which youth participation in economic development may be enhanced. The objective of this chapter is to evaluate the Sports and recreation are critical components of youth extent to which youth participate in sporting activities, and development. As noted by Holt and Knight (2011) sport identifi cation which sporting activities they mostly engage provides youth with opportunities to engage in self- in and the challenges they face. The study has also made exploration and skill development activities, to cultivate attempt to disaggregate the data to pick up any urban and friendships, to earn a living when sport is professionalised rural differences as well as any gender differences. and to enjoy the health benefi ts of regular physical activity. Sport is also seen as a positive time-fi lling activity for youth who might otherwise use the time to engage in 10.2. Sporting Participation in Sporting crime or develop more ‘unhealthy’ sedentary activities Activities such as watching television or playing computer games (ibid). The Government of Lesotho through the National Strategic Development Plan has specifi cally spelt out the Data was collected on the sporting activities which youth in Lesotho engage in and is presented in Figure 10.1 below.

Figure 10.1: Sporting Activities by Residence – 2012 LYES

Urban Rural

60.0 56.6 53.7

40.0 25.7 Percent

20.0 17.1 13.3 8.3 6.6 4.4 2.6 2.2 2.2 1.8 1.7 0.9 0.9 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.5 0.0 None Other Tennis Netball Soccer Snooker Volley ball Swimming Basket ball Moraba-raba Marathons/racing Sporting Activities

The survey results show that 54.2 per cent do not 19.8 per cent are from the rural areas while 3.9 per cent are participate or engage in any sporting activities. Of those from the urban areas. However, many of the respondents who participate in sports , 23.7 per cent of play soccer, 12.2 to any variable of investigation come from the rural areas, per cent play netball, 2.4 per cent play volley ball, 1.8 cent because around three quarters of the population in Lesotho participate in marathons or racing, 1.0 per cent play pool/ resides in the rural areas. Therefore, a measure of equity/ snooker, 0.3 per cent participate in swimming, 0.4 per cent inequity is likely to provide a more meaningful comparison. play tennis, 0.4 per cent play moraba-raba and 0.2 per cent When analysing participation in soccer among the urban play basketball. and rural subpopulations separately, the results confi rm that soccer is indeed more popular in the rural areas as, Figure 10.1 shows the percentages of youth who participate 25.7 per cent of them play soccer compared to 17.1 per cent in different types of sports comparatively among youth from of urban youth. urban and rural areas. The Figure further shows that 56.6 per cent of urban youth and 53.7 per cent of rural youth do not At fi rst glance, the results also suggest that there are more engage in any of the sporting activities. When the data was rural than urban youth who play netball as 10.2 per cent disaggregated by residential location, the survey fi ndings and 1.9 per cent of the 12.1 per cent youth who play netball show that, of the 23.7 per cent of the youth who play soccer, are rural youth and urban youth respectively. Therefore,

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 62 investigating this suggested pattern further among the engage in them. urban rural subpopulations shows that netball is indeed On the other hand, Figure 10.2 indicates that shows the played more by rural youth than by urban youth with 13.3 percentages of male and female youth who participate in per cent rural youth playing netball while 8.3 per cent of all different types of sports. The results of the survey indicate urban youth play netball as can be verifi ed in Figure 10.1. that 66.8 per cent of all females do not engage in sporting activities compared to just 36.2 per cent of males. A closer As earlier mentioned, 2.4 per cent of the youth play volleyball look shows that these two sexes have sporting tendencies and of these, 1.4 per cent come from the rural areas while that are characteristic to each and the survey fi ndings 1.0 per cent come from the urban areas suggesting that illustrate this by showing that 20.6 of the 23.7 per cent of volleyball is more popular among rural youth than urban the youth who play soccer are males, while only 3.1 per youth. However, when equitably examining this residential cent of them are females. To further support the argument differential, it has been found that 4.4 per cent of urban that soccer is more popular among males, the results show youth play volleyball compared to just 1.8 per cent of rural that 51.0 per cent of males compared to just 5.2 per cent youth, effectively overturning the initial supposition. of females play this sport. Therefore, all indicators lead to the conclusion that soccer is a mainly masculine sport, Regarding marathons/racing, the study fi ndings show that predominant among rural youth. of the 1.8 per cent of the youth who engage in this sport, 1.3 per cent are from the rural areas whereas 0.5 per cent come The results of the study also indicate that of the 12.1 per from the urban areas. Despite this, the study fi ndings show cent of the youth who play netball, 11.5 per cent of them are that marathons/racing is more popular among urban than females and 0.6 per cent are males. A more in-depth look of rural youth, with 2.2 per cent of urban youth participating in these two subpopulations also shows that 19.5 per cent of this sport compared to 1.7 per cent of rural youth. all females play netball whereas only 1.5 per cent of males do. So, all indicators show that netball is a largely feminine Of all these sporting activities, two have unique sport and particularly more popular among rural youth. characteristics namely basket ball and moraba-raba as the former is played by urban youth and the latter by Data were collected on the sporting patterns of youth by rural youth only. However, this could also be as a result of sex to fi nd out if there are any gender based differences sampling errors and the fact that, apparently, only a small in patterns of participation. These data are presented in percentage of youth, either urban or rural, engage in these Figure 10.2. sports as illustrated by the low percentages of youth who

Figure 10.2: Sporting Activities by Sex – 2012 LYES

Male Female

70.0 66.8 60.0 51.0 50.0

40.0 36.2 30.0 Percent 20.0 19.5 5.2

10.0 3.9 2.7 2.5 2.7 2.0 2.0 1.5 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.2 0.2 None Other Tennis Netball Soccer Snooker Volley ball Swimming Basket ball Moraba-raba Marathons/racing Sporting Activities

The fi ndings of the study indicate that, of the 2.4 per cent of that this sport is indeed more popular among females than the youth who play volleyball, 1.6 per cent are females and males as 2.5 per cent of all females and just 0.7 per cent of 0.8 per cent are males. In addition, the fi ndings of the study all males play this sport. show that 2.7 per cent of all females play volleyball whereas 2.0 per cent of all males do. Moreover, of the 1.8 per cent of The results of the survey shown in Table 10.1 illustrate the the youth who are marathon racers, 1.5 per cent are females percentages of youth in different age groups who participate and just 0.3 per cent are males. Further analysis reveals in different types of sports

Page 63 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 10.1: Sporting Activities by Age – 2012 LYES

Age of Respondent All Ages Type of Sport 15 - 17 18 – 20 21 – 23 24 - 26 27 - 29 30 - 32 33 – 35

None 42.6 49.1 58.5 62.3 57.7 56.2 75.4 54.2 Soccer 24.3 26.4 27.0 18.5 21.2 27.5 15.4 23.7 Netball 19.6 14.1 5.0 11.0 9.6 10.0 6.2 12.2 Volley ball 3.5 4.1 1.3 2.1 1.0 0.0 1.5 2.4 Marathons/racing 3.5 1.8 0.6 0.7 2.9 1.2 0.0 1.8 Swimming 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 Tennis 0.9 0.5 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 Basket ball 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 Moraba-raba 0.0 0.5 0.6 0.7 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 Pool/Snooker 0.4 0.0 2.5 0.7 1.9 2.5 0.0 1.0 Other 3.9 2.7 3.8 2.7 3.8 2.5 1.5 3.2

Differences were found in the patterns of participation in The data presented indicates that 66.7 per cent of all different sports across the age groups. The highest levels swimmers mentioned that lack of sporting facilities and of non-participation in sports were found in the 33-35 accompanying equipment poses a challenge in their sport, age-group where 75.4 per cent of the age cohort did not and half of all Tennis players indicated this as a challenge. participate in any sport. The highest levels of participation On the other hand, 45.4 per cent, 41.7 per cent and 39.3 were found in the 15 – 17 age group where 42.6 per cent per cent of all soccer players, volleyball players and netball of the age cohort did not participate in any sport. Soccer players respectively, have indicated that lack of sporting seemed to be the most popular sport across the age cohorts facilities and accompanying equipment pose a challenge in followed by netball and volley ball. these sports. Also, 16.7 per cent and 10.0 per cent of all pool players have shown that a challenge they face in their sport is lack of sporting facilities and accompanying equipment. 10.3. Challenges Faced in the Different Sporting Activities Furthermore, 28.6 per cent, 25.0 per cent and 23.8 per cent of all soccer players, volleyball players and netball players Data was collected on the various challenges that youth face respectively, have indicated that a challenge they face often in participating in sports, Table 10.2 shows the percentages in their sport is lack of places to participate at. In addition, of youth who participate in different kinds of sports and the 20.0 per cent and 16.7 per cent of all pool players have problems they face in those sports. Table 10.2 shows that in indicated that lack of places to participate at is a challenge all of the sports, 18.5 per cent of all youth who participate they face in their sports. Moreover, lack of professional in sports have indicated that lack of sporting facilities and trainers or coaches is a challenge that is common among accompanying equipment is a major challenge they face. all sports except swimming, tennis and basketball with 50.0 Also, lack of places to participate at has been mentioned by per cent of all moraba-raba players citing this challenge 10.9 per cent of the respondents whereas 6.3 per cent have as well as 40.0 per cent of all pool players. Also 22.2 per mentioned that lack of professional trainers or coaches as cent, 17.2 per cent and 13.0 per cent and 8.3 per cent of a challenge that they face in their sports. A careful look all marathon racers, netball players, soccer players and at Table 10.2 shows that lack of sporting facilities and volleyball players have cited lack of professional trainers or accompanying equipment is a challenge that cuts across coaches as a challenge they face. almost all kinds of sports except moraba-raba. This is more so for Basketball as all basketball players (100.0 per cent) have indicated this particular challenge as the only challenge they face.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 64 Table 10.2: Percentage of Youth Reporting Challenges Faced in Different Types of Sports – 2012 LYES

Challenges Does not Type of Sport Lack of places to Lack of sporting Lack of professional participate in Other Total participate at facilities or equipment trainers or coaches sports Soccer 28.6 45.4 13.0 13.0 100.0 Netball 23.8 39.3 17.2 16.4 100.0 Volley ball 25.0 41.7 8.3 20.8 100.0 Marathons/racing 16.7 38.9 22.2 16.7 100.0 Swimming 0.0 66.7 0.0 33.3 100.0 Tennis 0.0 50.0 0.0 25.0 100.0 Basket ball 0.0 100.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 Moraba-raba 0.0 0.0 50.0 50.0 100.0 Pool/Snooker 20.0 10.0 10.0 40.0 100.0 Other 6.2 18.8 6.2 59.4 100.0 All Sports 54.3 10.9 18.5 6.3 10.0 100.0

10.4. Solutions to Challenges Faced in sporting facilities will help ease the burden of challenges faced by sporting youth while 7.1 per cent of them suggested Sports that provision of professional coaching in various sports Table 10.3 below shows the percentages of youth who gave will certainly help in solving the problems frequently met out their opinions on how challenges to different types of in sports. Also, 7.0 per cent and 2.8 per cent of the youth, sports can be solved. As can be noted in the table, 19.0 per respectively, have suggested that provision of sponsorship cent of the youth suggest that setting up of well equipped as well as setting aside of land for development of sporting facilities will help solve their problems.

Table 10.3: Percentage of Youth Suggesting Solutions Challenges Faced in Different Types of Sports – 2012 LYES

Suggested Solutions To The Challenges Faced In Sports Wide spread Provision of Encouragement Does not Set up of well area that professional for youth to Provide Total participate in equipped provide Other coaching in participate in sponsorship sports sporting facilities sporting various sports various sports facilities Soccer 49.3 16.6 8.3 0.9 14.4 10.5 100.0 Netball 39.1 15.7 3.5 3.5 21.7 16.5 100.0 Volley ball 34.8 13.0 8.7 13.0 8.7 21.7 100.0 Marathons or 38.9 16.7 5.6 16.7 22.2 100.0 racing 0.0 Swimming 33.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 33.3 33.3 100.0 Tennis 33.3 33.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 33.3 100.0 Basket ball 50.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50.0 0.0 100.0 Moraba-raba 0.0 25.0 0.0 25.0 0.0 50.0 100.0 Snooker 42.9 14.3 14.3 0.0 0.0 28.6 100.0 Other 24.1 13.8 0.0 0.0 10.3 51.7 100.0 All Sports 55.7 19.0 7.1 2.8 1.0 7.0 7.5 100.0

It can be seen from Table 10.3 that 50.0 per cent of show that 33.3 per cent of tennis players, 25.0 per cent of basketball players, 49.3 per cent of soccer players, 42.9 per moraba-raba players, 16.7 per cent of marathon racers, cent of snooker players, 39.1 per cent of netball players, etc. 16.6 per cent of soccer players, etc. also suggest provision suggest that there should be setting up of well equipped of professional coaching in order to solve the problems they sporting facilities. On the other hand, the survey results face in their sports.

Page 65 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 10.5. Discussions 10.5.2. Challenges Faced in Sports There are a number of challenges to overcome before any 10.5.1. Sporting Activity meaningful progress can be reported in the sports and recreation sector. It was the hope of many people that Sports and recreation in Lesotho have not reached a level with the setting up of the Lesotho Sports and Recreation at which youth can participate in these sports as a way of Commission some movement forward will be realised, earning a living as there is no economically practicable however, it still remains to be seen whether the LSRC will sporting industry in Lesotho that can contribute to be effective. It is however, reasonable to assume that a bit reduction of high youth unemployment rate. Because of of urgency is steadily building up in the thoughts of many the apparently bleak outlook of sports as a way of living sports supporters and followers in Lesotho as they wait in in Lesotho, the level of participation of youth in sports is anticipation of tangible and positive progress. still very low, especially among females and to a lesser extent urban youth as approximately 54.2 per cent of the youth do not participate in sports. Roughly two-thirds of There are several challenges which confront the different females (66.8 per cent) as well as a third of males (36.2 sports youth participate in, and 18.5 per cent of them have per cent) have been found not to participate in any kind mentioned lack of sporting activities, and this challenge of sports. It becomes very clear that there is a missing has been attested to more by basketball players (100 per stimuli for female youth as over two-thirds of them do not cent), swimmers (66.7 per cent), tennis players (50 per participate in sports. This could be due to underlying socio- cent), soccer players (45.4 per cent) and volleyball players cultural factors and lack of a conducive environment for (41.7 per cent). Also, 10.9 per cent of the youth mentioned female youth to participate in sports. Lack of support and lack of places to participate at as the major challenge and sponsorship for feminine sports as well as lack of facilities 28.6 per cent of soccer players mentioned this problem as and trainers may also be the cause for this lacklustre level well as 25.0 per cent of volley ball players, 23.8 per cent of of participation in sports among female youth. netball players and 20.0 per cent of pool/snooker players, etc. These challenges attested to by the sporting youth However, 23.7 per cent of youth play soccer while 12.2 per clearly indicate what challenges are faced by sporting youth cent of them play netball. Soccer has been found to be a and areas of great concern to the youth are lack of places predominantly masculine (66.8 per cent males; 36.2 per to participate at, lack of equipment and facilities and lack of cent females) and rural (17.1 urban; 25.7 per cent rural) professional training. sport while netball has been found to be a particularly feminine (1.5 per cent males; 19.5 per cent females) and 10.6 Conclusion rural (8.3 per cent urban; 13.3 per cent rural) sport as well. It is to be expected that the sexes seem to gravitate towards soccer and netball, respectively, as these sports Sports and recreation are an important facet of youth are, by design, very sex specifi c, although in recent times development but the fi ndings indicate that more than half this traditional sex barrier in these sports has been broken of the population of youth (54.2 per cent) did not engage in down and now females can play soccer whereas males can any sports and recreational activities. Amongst those that now play netball. The survey fi ndings also show that the participated they engaged mainly in football, netball and percentage of youth who do not participate in any sporting volley ball in order of majority. Large disparities in patterns activity increases with age from 42.6 per cent to 75.4 per cent of participation in sports between males and females between the ages of 15 and 35 and this is an expected trend were observed as 63.8 per cent of males participated as with age, one lacks the energy to participate in sports in sports compared to 33.2 per cent of females. Lack of as well as become side-tracked with responsibilities that sporting facilities and professional trainers were cited by eventually pull a person away from sports arenas. The fact youth as some of the major impediments to participation that very few of the youth participate in the other sporting in sports and recreational activities. As such most youth activities like volleyball, basketball etc., is a refl ection recommended that well equipped sporting facilities be set of the general attitude that Basotho have towards such up, professional coaching in various sports be provided, sports. They are often misunderstood, considered foreign and sponsorship be provided to solve the challenges faced or unimportant and so, lack support from the general in sports and recreational activities. population, sponsors and government, making them less attractive to young people, hence the numbers of youth who participate in these sports remains minute.

The importance of sports and recreational activities is that they will also go a long way in keeping both sporting and non-sporting youth from harmful activities that could blight their future forever, hence sports and recreation need a serious boost in order to achieve levels that can attract a lot of youth to participate, as well as other youth to support their sporting counterparts by going to sports arenas instead of indulging in unworthy and potentially fatal activities.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 66 CHAPTER 11 GOVERNANCE AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION

11.1. Introduction 11.2. Participation in National Politics

The youth as citizens can participate in public life in a myriad Youth is a politically defi nitive time in the human life ways. This study begins with exploring youth participation course as they explore their political, social and economic in the four common approaches comprising membership in livelihood options. It is therefore imperative that youth enjoy political parties, youth participation in voting in the recent all possible avenues and levels of participation in decisions (2012) national elections, youth contact with locally elected that affect their lives and livelihood strategies. It is in this public offi cials, and extent of participation in cooperative spirit that Article 11 of the African Youth Charter entrenches activity, such as civil society organisations. the notion that every young person shall have the right to participate in all spheres of society.” The realisation of this right, calls for space as well as resources to be provided 11.2.1. Membership of Political Parties for youth to articulate, mobilise and be informed of the various avenues of participation available to them. The Political parties are often deemed to be primary instruments participation of youth in their own societies is not an end of political mobilisation. International experience seems to in itself but is part of a wider process of empowering youth suggest relatively low levels of youth interest in mainstream for development. political activity including membership of political parties (Delgado, 2002). A cohort analysis was therefore The objective of this chapter is to explore and analyse undertaken to evaluate the extent to which youth are the extent of youth participation across several platforms members of political parties in Lesotho. The key fi ndings of government and civic organisations in Lesotho, the are presented in Figure 11.1. challenges they face as well as the opportunities available to them. To achieve this objective, this chapter is sub- divided into four major sections. The fi rst section comprises an analysis of youth participation in national politics. The second section looks at youth participation in local government. The third section looks at youth participation in civil society organisations and the last section looks at youth participation in radio and internet debates.

Figure 11.1: Youth Cohort Membership of Political Parties – 2012 LYES

80.0 76.1 74.0 72.3 66.4 70.0 64.8 66.3 63.9 60.0 55.0

50.0 45.0 36.1 40.0 35.2 33.6 33.8 Yes 27.7

Percentage 30.0 26.0 23.9 No 20.0 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The overall picture indicates that approximately one out of every three (36.1 per cent) youth is a member of a political party. The cohort analysis further indicates that the levels per cent. Other age cohorts did not deviate much from the of membership of political parties is highest amongst the national average. 15 – 17 age groups where it stands at 55.0 per cent and The data collected was further disaggregated by sex to fi nd lowest in the 21 – 23 age cohort where it stands at 23.9 out if there were any differences in membership of political

Page 67 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 parties between young men and women. The fi ndings of 10 members seven of whom were men and three of whom indicate that there is not much disparity in the membership were women. In proportional terms, youth constituted 8.3 of political parties of the youth by sex, wherein 37.8 per per cent of the Membership of the National Assembly. In cent of young men indicated that they were active members 2013 this proportion had dropped to 4.2 per cent as fi ve of of political parties as against 34.8 per cent young women the youth of 2012 had grown to ower the age of 35. The who reported being members of political parties. Senate is the higher house of Parliament. It consists of 33 members. Twenty two of the thirty three members are Principal Chiefs and the other eleven are appointed by the Data was futher collected on youth membership of political King on the advice of the Prime Minister, though practically parties by residence. The fi ndings indicate that using the they are appointed by the Prime Minister since Lesotho criterion of residential location, there does not seem to is a constitutional monarch. In Senate there is no youth be much disparity in the membership of political parties representation. by youth. The data presented indicates that slightly more youth in rural areas (35.7 per cent) indicated that they were members of political parties as against 37.1 per cent The National Assembly offers various opportunities for of urban youth who reported being members of political public participation that are outlined in the National parties. Conversely, 68.9 per cent of urban youth indicated Assembly Standing Orders 2008. Public participation that they were not members of political parties as against in Lesotho’s National Assemby is nonetheless not well 62.5 per cent of rural youth. articulated in the Standing orders. Section 76 of these Orders entitles the National Assembly to facilitate public 11.2.2. Participation in Parliament participation through (a) observance of institutionalised days (b) conducting public hearings and (c) educating the public including Interaction with Local MP on the their role in parliament. This gives a very narrow scope on how the public can participate in parliament. The Lesotho’s Parliament offi cially comprises three bodies: standing orders further provide for individuals or groups (i) the King of Lesotho; (ii) the National Assembly and to submit petitions to Parliament through their local (iii) the Senate. The King of Lesotho is a constitutional Members of Parliament. For purposes of this research monarch which means that he does not actively engage such particpation in parliament was therefore extended to in parliamentary debates nor does he have any say on the include consultation with the local Member of Parliament. direction of its agenda. He simply participates in offi cial In this latter regard, Members of Parliament are facilitated ceremonies such as the openning of parliament and acts by the National Assembly to have constitutency offi ces on advice of the Prime Minister to close it sine dire or through which constituency affairs including any issues through prorogation. The National Assemby is an elected raised by the youth may be dealt with. The survey results body comprising 120 members. Following the last general are presented in Figure 11.2 on the extent to which youth in election which was held in 2012 youth had a representation Lesotho participate in parliament.

Figure 11.2: Youth Participation in Parliament – 2012 LYES

90.0 82.5 83.5 78.1 80.0 75.0 67.6 68.3 70.0 65.0

60.0 56.9

50.0 43.1 Yes 40.0 35.0 32.4 Percentage 31.7 No 25.0 30.0 21.9 17.5 20.0 16.5

10.0

0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 68 On average very low levels of participation in Parliament signifi cantly more interaction between youth and parliament by the youth were reported wherein only 25.0 per cent of than in the urban areas. In the urban areas 18.5 per cent of youth noted having had any participation in parliament. The the youth had participated in parliament as against 26.9 per overall trend, however, seems to suggest that participation cent in the rural areas. in parliamentary activities including regular interaction with the locally elected member of parliament tended to increase with age. The lowest levels of interaction with 11.2.3. Participation in the May 2012 parliament were in the 21 – 23 age group and the highest Elections levels of participation were reported among the 33 – 35 year old cohorts where 43.1 per cent reported having such There is a growing global concern over the levels of youth interaction. participation in national and local elections. Global trends seem to indicate declining levels of youth participation in When the data was disaggregated by sex, slightly more electoral processes. Lesotho held its last general election young men (29.1 per cent) than young women (22.2 per in May 2012. Youth in Lesotho were asked as to whether cent) indicated that they had participated in parliament. they participated in the election by way of voting. The The same data when disaggregated by residence of the results are displayed in Figure 11.3 below. youth the fi ndings were that in the rural areas there was

Figure 11.3: Voting Pattern by Age Group – 2012 LYES

70.0 62.3 59.7 59.7 59.7 58.9 60.0 55.8 50.9 49.1 50.0 44.2 40.3 40.3 40.3 37.7 41.1 40.0 30.0 Yes Percentage 20.0 No 10.0 0.0 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Average Age

On average, 58.9 per cent of youth indicated that they had The enthusiasm of the youth to vote in the rural areas was voted in the May 2012 general election. When an intra- greater than in the urban areas: The fi ndings of the report cohort analysis is made to fi nd the proportions of youth that indicated that 64.4 per cent of rural youth voted in the May voted within each age group, the highest voter turnout was 2012 elections as compared to 54.4 per cent in the urban in the 21 – 23 age group where 62.3 per cent noted that areas. Conversely, 45.6 per cent of youth in the urban areas they had voted in the May 2012 general election. The lowest did not vote as compared to 35.6 per cent of youth in rural turnout was in the 27 – 29 age group where 55.7 per cent areas who did not vote. of youth voted in the same election. These averages were higher than the national voter turnout of 50.0 per cent. 11.2.4. Reasons for Not Voting Data was also collected on the voting patterns of men and women within the youth age category. The fi ndings indicate Apathy among the youth with respect to voting in general that fairly equal proportions of young men and women and local elections has become an issue of growing concern. participated in the 2012 general elections wherein 36.2 per Against this background, the youth who were eligible to vote cent of men voted in the May 2012 general election. The but did not vote were asked as to why they did not vote and data was further disaggregated by the location of residence the distribution of responses is given in Table 11.1. of the respondents.

Page 69 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Table 11.1: Reasons for Not Voting by Age Group – 2012 LYES

Age

Reason for not voting 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Average

Felt too young to vote 15.0 18.2 6.5 11.1 19.2 20.0 14.3

Was not registered 18.3 15.9 26.1 11.1 26.9 20.0 19.4

Did not have time 15.0 29.5 17.4 27.8 19.2 28.0 21.9

Could not fi nd name on roll 10.0 4.5 4.3 8.3 0.0 4.0 5.9

Could not fi nd polling station 6.7 6.8 0.0 2.8 3.8 0.0 3.8

Was prevented from voting 0.0 0.0 2.2 2.8 3.8 0.0 1.3

No concrete reason 13.3 13.6 32.6 22.2 23.1 0.0 18.1

Other 21.7 11.4 10.9 13.9 3.8 28.0 15.2

Total 100.0 100 100 100 100 100 100

The fi ndings of the survey indicated that that a variety of youth comprised: (i) not having time to vote (21.9 per cent); reasons were put forward by the youth in response to the (ii) not having registered to vote (19.4 per cent); and (iii) question on why they did not vote including: (i) feeling too some youth said that they felt too young to vote (14.3 per young to vote; (ii) they were not registered; (iii) they did not cent). have time; (iv) they could not fi nd their name on the voter’s roll; (v) they did not know where the polling station was and The data on the reasons for not voting in the last national could therefore not fi nd it; (vi) they were prevented from election were also disaggregated by sex. The fi ndings are voting; and (vii) there was no concrete reason for not voting. presented in Figure 11.4. The three most common reasons that were offered by the

Figure 11.4: Reason for not Voting by Sex – 2012 LYES

25.0 22.6 18.8 20.0 21.2 20.0 19.8 17.9 17.0 15.9 12.9 15.0 12.3 10.0 5.9

Percentage 5.7 4.7 3.5 5.0 1.8 0.0 Male 0.0 Female

The overall picture as presented in Figure 11.4 seems to per cent of women gave this response as compared to 12.3 suggest that there is not much variation in the patterns of per cent of men who gave this response. However overall responses given by men and women on why they did not vote it can be concluded that gender differences do not seem in the May 2012 general election. The only response area to have infl uenced perceptions on the reason not to vote where there seems to have been some signifi cant difference among the youth. in the “no concrete reason” response category where 21.2

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 70 Figure 11.5: Reason for not Voting by Residence – 2012 LYES

30.0

25.0 23.9 21.1 21.0 20.5 19.7 20.0 18.0 16.9 15.5 15.1 15.0 11.7 Urban 10.0 Rural 6.3 5.9 5.0 2.8 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 Felt too Was not Did not Could not could not was No Other young to registered have time find name find prevented concrete vote on roll polling from reason station voting

In the urban areas the dominant reason for not voting was 11.3. Participation in Local Government that many young people felt that they were too young to vote (23.9 per cent) despite being of voting age. This was Local government is often portrayed as a realm of followed by 21.1 per cent who said they did not have time government that is close to the people. As such, it should to vote, and 15.5 per cent who could not vote because they be a realm of government providing greater opportunities were not registered and 16.9 per cent who noted that they for participation for various groups in society including the did not have any concrete reason not to have voted. In the youth. This section of the report investigates the extent to rural areas the dominant reasons were not having time to which youth participate in local government. vote (21.0 per cent), not being registered (20.5 per cent), not having any concrete reason or explanation (18.0 per cent).

Figure 11.6: Cohort Participation Rates in Local Government

70.0 63.3 58.5 56.9 60.0 53.4 55.5 54.8 53.8 53.1 46.6 45.2 46.3 46.9 50.0 44.5 41.5 43.1 40.0 36.7 30.0 Yes Percentage 20.0 No 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

Page 71 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 The overall picture presented in Figure 11.6 is that 46.9 public participation, through association and organisation per cent of youth indicated that they participated in local formation, outside the realms of the state and the market government activities as against 53.1 per cent of youth where people are able to articulate and advance their who indicated that they had not participated in any local common social, political and economic interests. Civil government activities. A breakdown of the distributions society organisations comprise a wide array of organizations within each age cohort indicated fairly little variation from including community groups, non-governmental this trend between the various age cohorts wherein the 15 – organizations (NGOs), labour unions, indigenous groups, 17 age group had the lowest levels of participation wherein charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, 36.7 per cent of youth indicated that they had participated professional associations, and foundations (World Bank, in local government related activities and the highest levels 2007). The signifi cance of this realm in advancing the of participation was in the 33 – 35 age group where 56.9 per empowerment of youth lies in the provision of space for cent of youth indicated that they had participated. recognition and infl uence of decisions in the public realm that facilitate favourable outcomes for the youth. Data was collected was collected to fi nd if there were no differences in patterns of participation in local government Data was collected on the participation of youth in four between young men and women. The fi ndings of the study common realms of civil society in Lesotho namely youth indicated that there was a small disparity in the participation based organisations (YBOs), faith based organisations of men and women in local government wherein 51.6 per (FBOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and cent of men indicated that they had participated in local international civil society movements (ICSMs). In all government activities as against 43.8 per cent of women. categories the data was disaggregated by age, sex and location. The survey further investigated to fi nd whether there were any disparities between urban and rural resident youth. 11.4.1. Participation in Youth Organisations Here there seems to be greater involvement of youth in local government in rural areas than in urban areas whereby There are several youth specifi c organisations in which 51.9 per cent of youth indicated that they participated in the youth may participate. Data was collected on their local government initiated activities in the rural areas as participation in such organisations. The survey results are against 30.3 per cent of youth in urban areas. presented in Figure 11.7 below. 11.4. Participation in Civil Society Organisations

Civil society is often generically defi ned as a sphere of

Figure 11.7: Cohort Participation in Youth Organisations – 2012 LYES

77.8 79.5 80.0 74.2 71.1 71.2 72.1 72.3 70.0 65.0 60.0

50.0 40.0 35.0 28.9 Yes 28.8 27.9 27.7 25.8 Percentage 30.0 22.2 20.5 No 20.0 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The data presented indicates relatively low levels of To test if there are any gender disparities the data was youth participation in youth organisations. The overall disaggregated by sex. The data indicated that there is picture suggests that only one in four youth (25.8 per cent) very little variation in the levels of participation in youth participate in youth organisations with very little variation organisations between men and women wherein 28 per across the cohorts comprising youth in Lesotho. cent of young men indicated that they were members

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 72 of youth organisations as against 24.3 per cent of young 11.4.2. Participation in Faith Based women who participated. Organisations The data on participation in youth organisations was further disaggregated by the residential location of the respondents Faith-based organisations (FBOs) comprise a realm of civil in order to pick up any spatial variations. In the urban areas society formations that are affi liated to organised religious there was slightly more participation of youth in youth movements and institutions serving either to affi rm organisations (30.3 per cent) than in rural areas where the religious identity among their constituency through socio- participation rate stood at 24.5 per cent. cultural, economic and spiritual activities (Tadros, 2010).

Figure 11.8: Cohort Participation in Faith Based Organisations – 2012 LYES

80.0 71.9 69.7 68.8 66.1 67.7 66.3 66.9 70.0 63.5 60.0

50.0 36.5 40.0 33.9 33.7 32.3 31.3 33.1 Yes 30.3 28.1

Percentage 30.0 No 20.0 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The data presented in Figure 11.8 indicates that one in three 11.4.3. Participation in Non Governmental youth (33.1 per cent) is a member of a youth organisation. The trend across the age cohorts is fairly consistent with Organisations the 15 to 17 age cohort reporting the highest proportion of Non-governmental organisations are a realm of civil society 36.5 per cent of youth and the 33 – 35 age cohort reporting comprising legally constituted organisations created by the lowest proportion of 28.1 per cent of youth. citizens to resolve their own problems and address their The membership of women in FBOs seemed to be slightly own communal needs. Data on the participation of youth in higher than that of men wherein 36.0 per cent of women NGOs is presented below. were members of FBOs as against 29.1 per cent of men who were members of FBOs. When the data was disaggregated on the basis of residence of the youth. Slightly more youth in urban areas are members of FBOs than in rural areas where the participation rates are at 39.9 per cent and 31.2 per cent respectively.

Page 73 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 11.9: Cohort Participation in NGOs – 2012 LYES

100.0 92.6 93.2 91.1 88.6 90.0 82.9 83.7 82.3 83.1 80.0 70.0

60.0

50.0 Yes 40.0 Percentage No 30.0 17.1 16.3 17.7 16.9 20.0 11.3 7.4 6.8 8.9 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The participation rates of youth in NGOs are relatively 11.4.4. Participation in ICSMs very low where on average, only 11.3 per cent of youth are members of NGOs. The highest participation rates are The growth of the global village has stimulated the growth found in the 24 – 35 age cohorts where the participation of interests in transboundary issues often discussed under rates are around 17.0 per cent of youth. In the age groups the broad rubric of the concept of globalisation. Civil between 15 and 23 the participation rates range from 6.8 society movements, many of them driven by the youth have per cent of youth to 8.9 per cent. begun to enter international debates on a diverse range of issues including, world trade, global climate change and When the data was disaggregated by sex there was not sharing of transnational resources such as water. Data was much difference in participation rates between men and therefore collected on the extent to which youth in Lesotho women wherein 12.8 per cent of young men were members participate in such movements. of NGOs as compared to 10.3 per cent of women who were members of youth organisations. The overall picture painted by the data collected, as Whilst the overall participation of youth in NGOs remains presented in Figure 11.10, on the participation of youth in relatively low, the levels of participation in urban areas are Lesotho in International Civil Society Movements indicates relatively higher than in the rural areas. In the urban areas very low levels of participation. 18.1 per cent of youth indicated that they were members of NGO’s as compared to 9.3 per cent in the rural areas.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 74 Figure 11.10: Cohort participation in International Civil Society Movements by Age – 2012 LYES

95.1 100.0 94.8 93.1 91.7 93.6 92.6 89.0 87.7 90.0 80.0 70.0

60.0 50.0 Yes 40.0 Percentage No 30.0

20.0 11.0 12.3 6.9 8.3 7.4 10.0 5.2 4.9 6.4 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

On average only 7.4 per cent of youth in Lesotho participate high interest in national politics through their voting in in international civil society organisations with very little the May 2012 general election. Relatively high levels of variation across the age-cohorts. The lowest levels of participation in local government were also registered. participation are reported in the 27 – 29 age cohort with In the areas of youth organisations and faith based only 4.9 per cent of youth in this age cohort indicating organisations modest levels of participation were registered such participation. The highest levels of participation are comprising 25.8 per cent of youth, and 33.2 per cent of reported among the 33 – 35 age group where 12.3 per cent youth respectively. Participation in non-governmental of the age-group reported such participation. organisations and international civil society movements was very low. Enhancing youth participation in all spheres The participation rates of young men in international civil of civic life is therefore an important priority in the youth society movements is higher than that of young women empowerment process. Two important initiatives in this whereby 10.1 per cent of young men noted that they were direction have been the passage of the National Youth members of international civil society movements as Policy in 2003 and the election of the National Youth Council compared to 7.4 per cent of young women. (NYC) in 2012. Residential location did not seem to have much impact on the participation of young people in international civil 11.5.1. The National Youth Policy society movements. In the urban areas 8.4 per cent of young people indicated that they were members of international The National Youth Policy (2003) identifi es nine (9) priority civil society movements as against 7.2 per cent of young areas of intervention on matters pertaining to youth that people in rural areas. are listed under the objectives and strategies of the policy as follows: 11.5. Discussion 1. Stimulating environmental awareness amongst The participation of youth perhaps begins with the the youth and their responsibilities towards opportunities availed to them in the civic, government and sustainable environment and reduction of poverty; market spheres of life. It is also conditioned by the extent to which they can use their own capabilities to capture and 2. Safeguarding young people’s means of subsistence perhaps colonise those opportunities availed to them. and the right to work;

3. Ensuring that that the type of education and Overall the fi ndings of this chapter indicate different training provided in the country is compatible with levels of participation in different spheres of governance. and responsive to the needs of the youth and the This chapter has looked at the participation of youth in a nation as a whole; relatively narrow scope of activities including membership of political parties, taking part in the 2012 general election, 4. Protecting the health and welfare of the youth and participation in parliament local government and various promoting their healthy lifestyles; aspects of civil society. The fi ndings indicated a relatively

Page 75 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 5. Providing opportunities to advance youth talents The Prevention Approaches have largely arisen out of in artistic creativity and in sports performance; the common perception that youth is a turbulent period in the human life-cycle. Youth are perceived as being 6. Protecting the fundamental Human Rights of the vulnerable to the many negative ills of society including youth; gang membership, tendency toward violent behaviour, drug abuse, vulnerability to sexual exploitation and sexually 7. Enhancing the integration of the youth into the transmitted diseases and human traffi cking. The primary socio-political development of the country; objective of the Preventive approaches has been to help youth to avoid these social ills. Policies, programmes, 8. Ensuring continuity of positive cultural and strategies and projects have often been adult initiated to traditional values of Basotho among the youth for ‘guide youth in the right direction’ to become responsible national identity; and citizens of tomorrow.

9. Facilitating national, regional and international Resiliency Approaches still hold the perception that youth networking to exchange information and is a turbulent period in human life-cycle. However, what experience with other youth people and youth differentiates this approach from the prevention approaches organizations. is its focus on improving the institutional environment within which ‘vulnerable’ youth grow up. The policy These are indeed areas where civil society needs to develop objectives thus become more targeted toward youth who niches of youth activity. are deemed to be living in vulnerable environments through the reinforcement of institutions such as schools, provision of vocational training opportunities as well as opportunities 11.5.2. The National Youth Council to start their own businesses. However once, again these approaches are often adult led and youth paternalistic. The National Youth Council is a statutory body established through an Act of Parliament. Its key functions of the Youth The Positive youth development approaches are also Council are to entail the following: closely associated with what Delgado and Staples (2008) have called youth led development. According to Delgado and Staples the primary focus of this approach has been a) To advise the Minister on programmes relating to to help youth mobilize socially, economically and politically youth development; their own socio-political constituency to act on their own behalf as citizens of today and tomorrow. b) To coordinate all youth activities in Lesotho; c) To monitor and evaluate youth programmes in In the context of the National Youth Policy and the functions Lesotho; of the NYC the exact status of the youth within a context of d) To assist and encourage organisations interested these three policies is not well defi ned and this seems to be in youth development in the initiation of youth creating a lot of confusion. training and development programmes; e) To initiate, operate and manage non-profi t making 11.5.3. Participation in National Elections projects in support of youth development; f) To undertake research and facilitate the forming Amongst the various realms of participation analysed in this of a database of youth organizations, youth study, the highest level of participation was in voting during programmes and other issues affecting the youth the May 2012 general election. The reported voter turnout both at national and international level; among the youth was 62.1 per cent. This was signifi cantly higher than the national voter turnout for the same election g) To facilitate representation of Lesotho at national which stood at 50.04 per cent (IDEA, 2012). This fi nding and international meetings and conferences; and seriously challenges the assertion or common presumption h) To undertake such other functions as the Minister that youth are not interested in politics. Sex did not seem from time to time direct. to be a signifi cant factor determining voter turnout since 63.8 per cent of young men voted as against 61.1 per cent of young women who voted. Residential location did seem to At the time of the writing of this report the National Youth have some effect whereby the participation of the youth in Council had not yet become functional. On the one hand the May 2012 elections was higher in the rural areas (64.4 there are issues of resource mobilisation to explain why the per cent) in the urban areas (54.4 per cent). NYC is not yet fully operational. Here the general argument has been that the last government budget (2012/13) had provided for the election of the NYC but did not provide for its Apart from youth participation in elections, the overall operationalisation. This would be catered for in the current picture presented by the fi ndings of this report is that budget (2013/14). On the other hand there are issues of the of relatively low levels of participation across several specifi c development paradigm to be adopted to guide the sectors of society including participation in parliament, functioning of the NYC. Youth participation in development local government and civil society. The encouragement of is a new and evolving approach to development. According youth to meaningfully participate in all these realms is of to Small and Memmo (2004) three distinct approaches vital importance. The youth led development paradigm of have dominated the discourse on how to engage youth development emphasises the fact that for youth to be an in development. These they have termed (i) Prevention important asset to meaningfully contribute to development Approaches; (ii) Resiliency Approaches and (iii) Positive they must play an active role in decision making processes youth development Approaches. that shape their destiny and their country’s development path (Delgado and Staples, 2002). Such participation fi rst

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 76 begins with actively taking part in civic organisations and international civil society movements where it stood at 7.4 mobilising political, social and economic resources therein. per cent. Indeed there is no arena where young people cannot assume participatory and leadership roles. 11.14. Conclusion 11.5.4. Participation in Parliament The fi ndings of this research present a very mixed picture of youth’s political participation and civic engagement. At the national level, youth membership of political parties stood The levels of participation of youth in parliament as broadly at 36.1 per cent. However, youth voted at a higher proportion defi ned in this study (including interaction with local than the national voter turnout (50.04%) whereby 58.9 per Member of Parliament) was found to be low, with only 25.0 cent of youth voted in the 2012 general election. Youth per cent of youth indicating such participation. Overall the representation in the National Assembly was nonetheless avenues for participation in parliament as outlined in the very low wherein youth representation following the same Constitution of Lesotho and the Standing Orders of the election stood at 8.3 per cent which was signifi cantly lower Lower House of Parliament are very limited. At a more than both their turnout in the same election as well as their general level there needs to be institutionalisation of the proportion of the population. participation of civil society in parliamentary affairs. The current situation is that civil society may be consulted in Parliamentary deliberations. For those who did not vote in the 2012 general election, 21.9 per cent noted that they did not have time, 19.4 per cent 11.13. Participation in Local Government noted that they had not registered to vote and 18.1 per cent noted that they had no concrete reason for not having voted. and Civil Society These responses could in part be attributable to youth voter apathy or it could have also in part been due to the fact that A proxy measure of interaction with local councillors was youth are schooling and a signifi cant proportion of them used to measure the levels of youth participation in local were doing so in areas far from the constituency in which government. Here it was found that 53.1 per cent of youth they were registered to vote. indicated that they had interacted with their local councillor. However, no data was available on the extent to which At the local level a higher level of interaction of youth with youth were members of local councils. In the realm of local authorities was observed as compared to interaction participation in civil society, the fi ndings indicated that youth with local MPs. Participation in local organisations ranged participation was highest in faith based organisations where from 11.3 percent to 25.8 per cent which can be perhaps it stood at 33.1 per cent and was lowest in participation in be an indicator of relatively low levels of civic engagement.

Page 77 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 CHAPTER 12 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

12.1. Introduction opportunities offered by the diffusion of ICT. To achieve this objective the chapter looks into the levels of ownership and Access to information is an essential element for all access of youth to various ICTs, both old and new, including round development progress including economic success, radio, television, computers, the internet and mobile decision-making, opportunities for civic engagement telephones. and indeed the achievement of human development and poverty reduction (Delgado and Staples, 2002). Information and communication technologies (ICT) have become key 12.2. Ownership, Access and Use of a enablers of socio-economic progress and development, Working Radio through the enhancement of productivity, revolutionizing production processes, facilitating access to markets, and Radio has over the years been widely used by governments increasing social interaction over space (World Economic and communities to disseminate information, provide Forum, 2009). These changes brought about by ICT have had entertainment and education to the citizenry and society signifi cant impact on poverty reduction and improvements at large. Community radios have provided individuals in living standards throughout the world (UNDP, 2001). and communities opportunities to tell their own stories, ICT also has an impact on government effi ciency, fostering share experiences, debate issues and contribute to overall transparency and better communication and services with development discourse within the nation. An assessment of and to citizens. the extent to which youth owned or had access to a working radio was undertaken and the results are presented below. The objective of this chapter is to assess the extent to which the youth in Lesotho have been able to tap into these

Figure 12.1: Ownership of Working Radio – 2012 LYES

90.0 80.0 76.9 70.0 65.4 61.3 57.0 59.7 60.0 53.9 55.0 50.0 50.0 46.1 50.0 43.0 45.0 40.3 38.8 40.0 34.6 Yes Percentage 30.0 23.1 No 20.0 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The fi ndings indicate that slightly above one out of every The sex of the youth does not seem to be a signifi cant two youth (55.0 per cent) owns a working radio. A cohort factor in the ownership of a radio as indicated. The data analysis reveals that radio ownership seems to increase collected indicated that slightly more young men (59.2 per with age wherein the highest level of radio ownership is cent) owned radios than young women (47.7 per cent). Data among the 33 – 35 years age cohort (76.9 per cent) and the was further collected to fi nd out if there are any signifi cant lowest levels of ownership in are in the 15 – 17 age group differences in the ownership of radios between urban and where 43.0 per cent of the cohort owns a working radio. rural areas.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 78 When the data was disaggregated by residence, the 12.2.1. Access to Working Radio ownership of a working radio by youth was found to be slightly higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In the In the event that the youth indicated that they did not own rural areas 53.7 per cent of the youth indicated that they a working radio, they were asked if they had access to a owned a working radio as against 59.6 per cent of youth in working radio and the results are presented in Figure 12.2. urban areas.

Figure 12.2: Access to Working Radio – 2012 LYES

70.0 63.4 60.0 57.4 59.4 58.1 57.2 60.0 54.8 55.6

50.0 45.2 44.4

42.6 42.8 40.6 41.9 40.0 40.0 36.6

30.0 Yes Percentage No 20.0

10.0

0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

Slightly above one out of every two youth (57.2 per cent) that young women seemed to have slightly higher levels of indicated that they had access to a working radio though they such access than young men. Amongst young women who did not personally own one. This distribution did not vary did not own radios 59.3 per cent noted that they had access much across the age cohorts whereby the highest levels of to working radios as compared to 53.6 per cent of young access were reported in the 15 – 17 age-group where 63.4 men who had access to a working radio. per cent reported such access. The lowest levels of such access were reported in the 33 – 35 age-group where 40.0 per cent reported having such access. When the data was disaggregated by residence it was found that among those who did not have radios, access to a working radio was higher in the urban areas than in the rural The data on access to a working radio was further areas. In the urban areas 67.4 per cent of youth indicated disaggregated by sex to fi nd out whether there are any that they had access to a working radio as compared to 54.6 differences. Not much variation was found in the patterns of per cent in the rural areas. access between males and females though it can be noted

Page 79 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 12.2.2. Principal Uses of a Working Radio Figure 12.3: Principal Uses of Working Radio – 2012 LYES

90.0 82.1 79.0 Listening to Entertainment programs 80.0 73.0 Listening to Current Affairs 70.0 67.0 62.9 64.7 Listening to Weather forecast 60.0 56.7 57.4 Listening to Public Notices 50.0 Listening to funeral notices 40.0 33.3 34.1 Sports 28.0 30.0 Other 18.9 20.5 20.0 11.3 10.7 10.0 5.0 2.8 3.6 3.4 2.7 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total

Data was collected from youth on their principal use of the affairs and followed by listening to funeral notices. The radio and the fi ndings are presented in fi gure 12.3. The radio listening to current affairs fairly steadily increases across is used by the youth to listen to a variety of programmes the age groups from 56.7 per cent of the 15 – 17 age group including listening to entertainment programmes, current to 82.1 per cent of the 33 – 35 years age group. affairs, weather forecasts, public notices, funeral notices and sports. The fi ndings of this study as presented in Figure 12.3 indicate that the principal use of the radio throughout The principal uses of a working radio were further all age-groups comprising youth is to listen to current disaggregated by sex to fi nd out if there are any gender differences and the data is presented in Figure 12.4.

Figure 12.4: Principal Uses of Working Radio by Sex – 2012 LYES

66.2 70.0 62.3 60.0

50.0 40.0 28.0 30.0 24.7 Male Percentage 20.0 Female 10.0 2.9 4.3 3.8 0.6 0.6 3.0 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.2 0.0 Listening to Listening to Listening to Listening to Listening to Sports Other EntertainmentCurrent Affairs Weather Public Notices funeral programs forecast notices Principal use of radio

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 80 Not much variation was found in the use of radio between Data was collected on the principal uses of a working radio men and women whereby listening to current affairs by residence and the results are presented in Figure 12.5. remained the most popular use of the radio followed by listening to entertainment programmes.

Figure 12.5: Principal Uses of Working Radio by Residence

70.0 66.4 59.1 60.0

50.0

40.0 31.3 30.0 24.3 Urban Percentage 20.0 Rural 10.0 3.5 2.8 2.5 3.0 2.6 0.0 0.8 0.5 0.7 2.3 0.0 Listening to Listening to Listening to Listening to Listening to Sports Other Entertainment Current Affairs Weather Public Notices funeral notices programs forecast Principal use of radio

A similar pattern of use was also found when the data was 12.3. Ownership and Access to a Working disaggregated by the residential location of the youth. The listening to current affairs was once again the most popular Television activity for which the radio was used in both urban and rural areas followed by listening to entertainment programmes. Globally, the diffusion of radio in the mass communication sector was closely followed by the diffusion of television. Both have been important mass communication ICTs. Data was therefore collected on the ownership of a working television among the youth and the results are presented in Figure 12.6.

Figure 12.6: Ownership of Working Television – 2012 LYES

90.0 82.2 80.1 80.0 75.7 72.1 73.6 71.2 72.5 70.8 70.0

60.0 50.0 40.0 Yes

Percentage 27.9 28.8 27.5 29.2 30.0 26.4 24.3 No 17.8 19.9 20.0 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

Page 81 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 The overall pattern indicated that approximately one out of the data by sex did not reveal any signifi cant differences in every four youth (24.3) per cent owned a working television. television ownership between males and females whereby Fairly little variation was found across the age cohorts 25.1 per cent of male indicated that they own a television wherein the highest levels of ownership if a working as against 23.8 per cent of females who indicated that they television was in the 33 – 35 age group where 29.2 per cent owned a television. of the age cohort owned television. The lowest levels of ownership of a working television were found in the 15 – 17 A great difference was found in the ownership of working age group where 17.8 per cent of the age cohort owned a televisions between urban and rural areas wherein in the working television. urban areas 43.9 per cent of the youth indicated that they owned televisions as against 18.6 per cent in the rural areas. Data was also collected on the ownership of a working television by sex to fi nd out if there are any signifi cant gender Youth who did not own televisions were also asked on the differences in levels of ownership. The disaggregation of extent to which they had access to a working television and the fi ndings are presented in Figure 12.7.

Figure 12.7: Access to Working Television – 2012 LYES

90.0 84.8 80.0 70.1 67.6 67.2 70.0 62.5 57.7 57.0 60.0 55.6

50.0 42.3 43.0 44.4 37.5 40.0 32.8 Yes 29.9 32.4 Percentage 30.0 No 20.0 15.2 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

On average 37.5 per cent of youth who did not own working location of the youth the fi ndings indicate that urban youth televisions had access to working televisions. This access had slightly more access to working televisions than rural seems to be higher in the lower age cohorts, between youth. In the urban areas 37.5 per cent of the youth who the ages of 15 and 23 where it is above 40.0 per cent and did not own televisions indicated that they had access to declines to 15.2 per cent in 33 – 35 year age group. working televisions as compared to 32.4 per cent of the youth in rural areas who reported having such access. The fi ndings indicate that males who did not own television sets had higher levels of access than females wherein 42.3 Irrespective of whether the youth owned a working per cent of males noted having such access as compared to television or simply had access to one they were asked as 34.3 per cent of females. to what their principal uses of the television were and the results are presented in Figure 12.8. When the data was disaggregated by the residential

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 82 Figure 12.8: Principal Uses of Working Television – 2012 LYES

90.0 76.9 80.0 Watching Entertainment 68.2 70.0 programs 60.6 Watchin Current Affairs

60.0 53.6 53.8 50.0 50.0 Watching Weather 50.0 forecast 42.9 Looking for Public Notices 38.1 40.0 37.5 30.8 Sports Percentage 28.6 30.0 23.7 20.6 21.2 19.0 17.9 15.5 15.4 20.0 14.0 13.2 16.5 10.7 8.3 10.0 3.6 0.8 0.0 1.6 1.6 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.7 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The principal uses of televisions among the youth comprise males watched television for purposes of entertainment. watching entertainment programs, waiting current affairs The second area was in the use of television for watching and watching sports. On average most youth (60.6 per sports. In this area 30.1 per cent of male indicated that cent) indicated that they principally used the television for their primary use of the television was to watch sports as watching entertainment programmes. The second most compared to only 6.0 per cent of females. In all other areas popular use comprised watching current affairs where 21.2 the differences were not signifi cant. per cent of the youth indicated that this was their principal use of the television. Watching of sports was reported as the third most important use of the television, where on There were marked differences in the principal uses average 16.5 per cent of the youth noted that this was their of the television among the youth when the data was most important use of the television. Signifi cant variation disaggregated by the residence of the youth. In the urban in these uses was reported across the various age cohorts areas the principal use of the television was to watch where watching television for entertainment purposes was current affairs wherein, 44.8 per cent of the youth indicated the most reported use in the 15 – 17 age group and was this activity as their principal use as against only 17.9 per least reported in the 30 – 32 years age group where only cent of rural youth. In the rural areas the principal use of 38.1 per cent of this age group indicated entertainment as the television was to watch entertainment programmes the principal use of the television. This age group reported wherein 53.0 per cent noted that this was the principal use the highest use of the television for watching current affairs as against 43.4 per cent among the rural youth. Finally 26.5 programmes (42.9 per cent) such as the news. This use of per cent of rural youth indicated that watching sports was the television was least reported in the 15 – 17 age group their principal use of the television as against 10.5 per cent where only 8.3 per cent of youth noted this as their most of urban youth. important use of the television. 12.4. Ownership, Access and Use of Working Two principal gender differences in the use of the television Computer by the youth were found in this study. The fi rst area pertains to the use of television for watching entertainment Data was collected on the extent to which youth in Lesotho programs. Here 72.2 per cent as against 45.8 per cent of own a working computer and the results are presented in Figure 12.9.

Page 83 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 12.9: Ownership of a Working Computer – 2012 LYES

95.2 95.4 100.0 94.1 94.2 91.3 92.6 88.1 89.7 90.0 80.0 70.0

60.0 50.0 Yes 40.0 Percentage No 30.0 20.0 11.9 10.3 8.8 7.4 10.0 4.8 5.9 5.8 4.6 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The overall picture pertaining to ownership of a work- Signifi cant differences in the ownership of personal ing computer is that very few youth (7.4 per cent) owned computers were found when comparisons of levels of personal computers. There is very little variation from this ownership were made between urban and rural dwelling average among the different age groups where in the high- youth. In the urban areas the levels of ownership were est rates of ownership were in the 21 -23 years age group reported to be at 19.7 per cent as against only 3.7 per cent where 11.9 per cent of the age cohort owned personal of the youth in rural areas. computers and the lowest rates of ownership were among the 33 – 35 age group where only 4.6 per cent of the age group owned a personal computer. Whilst the overall levels of ownership of working personal 12.5. Access to a Working Computer computers was found to be very low among the youth, slightly more males (9.6 per cent) than females (5.9 per For those youth who did not personally own a working cent) owned personal computers. computer, they were asked as to whether they had access to a working computer. The distribution of responses to this question is presented in Figure 12.10.

Figure 12.10: Access to a Working Computer – 2012 LYES

100.0 90.1 91.8 91.8 95.2 84.5 82.0 80.7 86.2

80.0 60.0 40.0 19.3 Yes Percentage 15.5 18.0 20.0 9.9 8.2 8.2 13.8 4.8 No 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The data presented in Figure12.10 indicates that youth in highest levels of such access was reported in the 21 – 23 Lesotho have very limited access to working computers. age group where 19.3 per cent of the youth indicated having Nationally, only 13.8 per cent of the youth who did not own access to a personal computer though they did not own one personal computers had access to them. The lowest levels themselves. of such access was in the 33 – 35 year age group and the

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 84 The general literature on technology and development often Signifi cant disparities were found in access to a working suggests that there are signifi cant differences in access to computer between urban and rural youth. In the urban technology between men and women. To test the extent to areas 29.5 per cent of youth who did not own working which this may be true in the case of Lesotho’s youth, data computers had access to a working computer as compared was collected on access to a working computer by sex. to only 9.9 per cent of youth in rural areas.

The fi ndings indicated that slightly more males (16.3 per Data was collected on the principal uses of working cent) than females (12.1 per cent) reported having access computers and the results are presented in Figure 12.11 to a working computer.

Figure 12.11: Principal Uses of Working Computer – 2012 LYES

70.0 66.7 58.3 56.0 60.0 53.2 53.3 51.0 50.0

44.5 40.0 38.8 40.4 40.0 40.2 Entertainment 40.0 33.3 33.3 26.7 30.0 23.3 23.3 Work related

Percentage Activities 20.0 16.716.7 14.4 School related 8.2 8.3 10.0 6.4 activities 4.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Totals Age

The fi ndings presented in fi gure 12.11 indicate that on areas 46.1 per cent of urban youth used their computers average the principal uses of working computers among for entertainment, 35.3 per cent used their computers for the youth comprise entertainment (44.5 per cent of youth), school related activities and fi nally 18.6 per cent used them school related activities (40.2 per cent of youth) and work for work related activities. In the rural areas youth primarily related activities (14.4 per cent of youth). used computers for school related activities (44.4 per cent) followed by entertainment (43.5 per cent) and fi nally 10.2 There are subtle differences in the way in which male per cent used the computers for work related activities. youth and female youth use computers. Males primarily used computers for entertainment (51.5 per cent), School related activities (47.7 per cent) and work related activities 12.6. Ownership, Access and Use of Internet (15.8 per cent). Females, the principal use of computers Connection was for school related activities (47.7 per cent), followed by entertainment (38.5 per cent) and work related activities Data was collected on the extent to which youth personally accounting for 12.8 per cent of the principal uses of owned internet connections as well as the extent to which computers by females. they had access to internet connections, for those who did not have personal access. The fi ndings are presented in Subtle differences were also found in the use of computers Table 12.12. between urban and rural residing youth. In the urban

Page 85 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 12.12: Ownership of Internet Connection – 2012 LYES 96.9 100.0 90.4 92.5 90.5 86.8 89.4 90.0 80.0

70.0 60.0 50.0 Yes 40.0 Percentage 30.0 No 20.0 13.2 9.6 10.6 7.5 9.5 10.0 3.1 0.0 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The overall picture revealed by the data indicates that per cent and 8.0 per cent respectively. Lesotho’s youth have very limited access to own internet connection wherein only 9.5 per cent reported having Whilst the overall levels of ownership are low, there is a personal connections to the internet. There is not much signifi cant gap in ownership between urban and rural variation across the age cohorts wherein the 21 – 23 age areas wherein in the urban areas 19.3 per cent of the youth group reported the highest levels of ownership at 13.2 per indicated that they had private internet connections as cent of the age cohort and the 33 – 35 age group reporting against 6.6 per cent in rural areas. the lowest level of ownership at 3.1 per cent of the age cohort. Youth who did not have private connections to the internet were further asked if they have public access to internet When the data was disaggregated by sex, males reported facilities and the results are presented in Figure 12.13. slightly higher levels of ownership than young females, 11.5

Figure 12.13: Access to Internet Connection – 2012 LYES

100.0 95.2 93.5 93.5 95.9 96.8 92.9 89.1 88.6 90.0 80.0 70.0

60.0 50.0 Yes 40.0 Percentage No 30.0

20.0 10.9 11.4 6.5 6.5 7.1 10.0 4.8 4.1 3.2 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The trends of general access to internet services were not age group where only 3.2 per cent of the youth accessed too different from those who had private access. The overall the internet and the highest levels of access were reported picture is that only 7.1 per cent of the youth had access to in the 24 – 26 years age group where 11.4 per cent of the public internet facilities. There was variation across the cohort reported having access to public internet services. various age cohorts wherein the lowest levels of internet access and use were reported among the 33 – 35 years

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 86 The data collected on public access to internet services was youth to internet services is low at only 7.0 per cent of all further disaggregated by sex. Once again slightly more youth, signifi cant disparities were found in access between males (9.5 per cent) than females (5.5 per cent) had access urban and rural areas where 19.7 per cent of urban youth to public internet services. reported having access to internet services as against only 3.9 per cent of rural youth. Data was also collected to pick up any differences in patterns of access to public internet services between Access to the internet was also evaluated in terms of its urban and rural areas. Whilst the overall access of the principal uses by youth. The fi ndings are presented in Figure 12.14.

Figure 12.14: Principal Uses of the Internet – 2012 LYES

90.0 83.3 80.0

70.0 59.4 Social 55.6 60.0 networking 50.0 Entertainment 50.0 43.2 40.1 Work related 36.7 40.0 33.3 33.3 activity 30.0 31.3 School related 27.0 27.8 30.0 26.7 25.3 activity 22.2 18.9 20.0 Access current 16.7 20.0 13.6 affairs Other 8.1 10.0 6.7 5.6 10.0 3.1 3.1 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.9 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total

The overall fi ndings indicate that the principal uses of the purpose. This use declines signifi cantly with age wherein internet comprise social networking (40.1 per cent), school only 16.7 per cent of the 33 – 35 year olds indicated that related activities (25.3 per cent), work related activities, this was their principal use of the internet. In this latter entertainment (13.6 per cent) and work related activities age cohort, the principal use of the internet relates to work (13.6 per cent). There are however, signifi cant differences related activities where this was reported as the principal in the ways in which the internet is used by the various age use by 83.0 per cent of this age cohort. groups. For instance, among the 18 – 20 year olds social networking is the most important use of the internet where The data on the principal uses of the internet was also 59.4 per cent of this age cohort uses the internet for this disaggregated by sex and the fi ndings are presented in Figure 12.15.

Figure 12.15: Principal Uses of the Internet by Sex 42.3 45.0 39.0 40.0

35.0 26.8 30.0 24.4 25.0 19.2 20.0 17.1 15.0 Percentage 8.5 7.7 7.3 10.0 3.8 5.0 1.2 2.6 Male 0.0 Female

Principal use of the internet

Page 87 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 The overall trend in use of the internet did not vary females as against 8.5 per cent of male used the internet signifi cantly between male and female with the exception for this purpose. In the area of work related activities 17.1 of two areas which are entertainment and work related per cent of male indicated that they used the internet for activity. With respect to entertainment 19.2 per cent of this purpose as against 7.7 per cent of female.

Figure 12.16: Principal Uses of the Internet by Residence – 2012 LYES

45.0 40.0 41.3 40.0

35.0 30.0 27.5 25.0 23.8 20.0 17.5 17.5 15.0

Percentage 10.0 7.5 6.3 10.0 5.0 3.8 5.0 0.0 Urban 0.0 Rural

Principal use of the internet

Once again whilst the overall trend of internet use in urban 12.7. Ownership, Access and Use of Mobile areas did not show much variation with its use in rural areas, signifi cant differences were found in the areas of Phones entertainment and work related activity. In urban areas 17.5 per cent of internet users indicated that they used The widespread use of mobile phones together with the internet for entertainment purposes as against 10.0 innovative forms of social networking is creating new spaces per cent of the youth in urban areas who reported using for citizens to engage in civic activity and governance. They the internet for the same purposes. With respect to work are being initiated from the bottom-up and often call for related activities, 17.5 per cent of the youth in urban areas social and political change, transparency and inclusion. used the internet for this purpose as against 7.5 per cent of They are also being implemented from the top-down, with rural youth who used the internet for this purpose. ICT tools for enhanced citizen participation and service delivery. Data was collected on the extent of mobile phone ownership among the youth as well as the levels of access they had to them if they do not personally own them. The fi ndings on the levels of ownership are indicated in Figure 12.17. Figure 12.17: Ownership of a Working Mobile phone – 2012 LYES

100.0 87.7 90.0 83.0 80.8 80.8 80.0 80.0 73.5 74.3 70.0

60.0 56.1 50.0 43.9 Yes No

Percentage 40.0 30.0 26.5 25.7 20.0 17.0 19.2 19.2 20.0 12.3 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 88 The fi ndings of the study indicate relatively high levels between males and females whereby 26.8 per cent of male of ownership of cellular phones among the youth. indicated that they owned cellular phones as against 25.0 Approximately three in every four youth (74.3 per cent) per cent of females who owned cellular phones. indicated that they owned a cellular phone. When the data was disaggregated by age cohorts the overall pattern The ownership of working cellular phones by the youth was indicates that the highest levels of ownership were reported higher in the urban areas, where 85.1 per cent of the youth amongst the 33 – 35 age group where 87.7 per cent of the owned cellular phones as against 71.1 per cent of youth age cohort owned a cellular phone. The lowest levels of owning cellular phones in the rural areas. ownership were among the 15 – 17 age cohorts where only 51.6 per cent of the age group indicated that they owned a In the event whereby the youth did not own a working mobile cellular phone. phone, they were asked if they had access to a working mobile phone. The results of the fi ndings are presented in Figure 12.18. The disaggregation of the data by sex of the youth did not fi nd any signifi cant differences in ownership of cellular phones

Figure 12.18: Access to a Working Mobile phone

80.0 74.8 67.9 66.7 70.0 64.7 63.6 66.5 56.9 60.0 60.0

50.0 43.1 40.0 36.4 40.0 32.1 33.3 35.3 33.5 30.0 25.2 Yes Percentage 20.0 No 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The overall picture painted by the data collected is that ap- No signifi cant differences in access to telephone services proximately one in three (33.5 per cent) youth who did not were found between male and female wherein 33.1 per cent privately own a working mobile phone did have access to of male reported having such access as against 33.8 per telephone services. The levels of this access did not vary cent of females who reported having such access. that signifi cantly across the age-cohorts wherein the lowest levels of access were found in the 15 – 17 age cohort (25 per Data was collected on the principal uses of mobile phones cent) and the highest levels of access found in the 18 – 20 by youth and the data is presented in Figure 12.19. age cohorts where 43.1 per cent of the cohort had access to telephone services.

Page 89 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 12.19: Principal Uses of the Mobile Phone

120.0

100.0 96.8 98.4 98.4 96.7 98.6 97.6 100.0 96.4

80.0 Social networking

60.0 For Entertainment Access to internet Percentage 40.0 Other

20.0 2.6 2.9 1.6 1.6 1.1 1.4 0.0 1.8 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The data presented in Figure 12.19 indicates that the 12.8. Participation in Radio and Internet overwhelming use of mobile phones by the youth comprises social networking, which generally includes chatting with Debates friends, colleagues, and interacting with the same groups through short messaging systems (sms). They were used 12.8.1. Participation in Radio Debates to a much lesser extent for entertainment or accessing the internet. On average 97.6 per cent of youth used The use of the electronic media has become an important their mobile phones for social networking with very little vehicle through which youth have articulated their political variation across the age cohorts. engagement in local, national and international affairs. In the Lesotho context this avenue was largely closed until It seems there were no signifi cant differences in the March 1998, when the GOL decided to open the airwaves principal purposes for which mobile phones were used to private broadcasters. Prior to this they had been between male and female. The principal use of mobile monopolised by the government-owned Radio Lesotho, phones in both instances is social networking with friends, which to a large extent allowed debates and discussions on relatives and work colleagues. government-sanctioned areas only. This greatly limited the freedom of expression within the general population and the Once again the residential location of the youth did not youth in particular. To date, 9 radio stations have opened up have much impact on the way in which mobile phones in Lesotho. Many of these radio stations, including radio are principally used wherein 96.0 per cent of urban youth Lesotho, have phone-in programmes that debate current indicated that they used their mobile phones for social affairs – political economic and social. These programmes networking as against 98.2 per cent of rural youth who have become popular avenues of public discourse, reported this as their principal use. information sharing and popular debate. To evaluate the extent of youth interest in local, national and international affairs that may affect their lives, data was collected on their participation in radio debates. The data collected was disaggregated in terms of gender and location. The fi ndings are presented relating to youth participation in radio debates are presented in Figure 12.20.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 90 Figure 12. 20: Participation in Radio Debates – LYES 2012

100.0 91.5 88.0 88.0 87.0 90.0 83.4 82.5 85.0 83.1 80.0 70.0

60.0 50.0 40.0 Yes Percentage 30.0 No 16.6 17.5 16.9 20.0 12.0 12.0 15.0 13.0 8.5 10.0 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The fi ndings indicate that on average 13.0 per cent of the Whist the overall levels of participation in radio debates youth indicated that they had participated in radio debates remained low in both urban and rural areas, slightly on current affairs in Lesotho’s various radio stations. Very more youth in urban areas than in rural areas reported little variation was reported across the age cohorts whereby participating in radio debates than youth in rural areas. In the 26–29 age group reported the highest participation the urban areas, 19.9 per cent of the youth indicated that rates with 17.5 per cent of this age cohort reporting have they participated in radio debates on current affairs as participated in such debates. The 15 – 17 years age group against 11.0 per cent of the youth in rural areas. In both reported the lowest levels of participation with only 8.5 per cases the majority of the youth indicated that they never cent of this age group reporting having participated in such participated in radio debates. debates. 12.8.2. Participation in Internet Debates The results presented indicate fairly low levels of youth participation in radio debates on issues of public concern, Internet services are largely provided, in Lesotho, by wherein only 13.0 per cent of the youth indicated that they two major telephone service providers namely Vodacom ever participated in radio phone-in programmes. The data Lesotho, and ECONET. Internet services are often accessed also indicate fairly insignifi cant differences in the patterns either through private connections or internet shops. To of participation in radio-programmes between male and evaluate the extent of youth participation through these female wherein 13.9 per cent of males indicated that they means the youth were asked to express their extent of use participated in radio programmes as against 12.37 per cent of internet services to participate in internet debates on of females. public issues. The fi ndings of this exercise are presented in Figure 12.21.

Page 91 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Figure 12.21: Participation in Internet Debates – 2012 LYES

100.0 93.4 91.8 93.8 86.4 86.1 88.6 90.0 82.2 84.1 80.0 70.0

60.0 50.0 Yes 40.0 Percentage No 30.0 17.8 15.9 20.0 13.6 13.9 11.4 8.2 10.0 6.6 6.2 0.0 15-17 18-20 21-23 24-26 27-29 30-32 33-35 Total Age

The fi ndings indicate that there are very low levels of Lesotho’s networked readiness; (ii) signifi cant differences participation of the youth in development debates through in computer access between urban and rural areas; (iii) the use of the internet wherein only 11.4 per cent indicated differences in access to computer and internet services use of the internet to debate issues. The variation across between men and women. the age cohorts is also very low wherein the highest rates of participation were reported among the 21–23 age cohorts 12.9.2. The Digital Divide and Youth Development where 17.8 per cent indicated that they participated in internet debates relating to youth development and the group with the lowest levels of participation was the 33– ICT Lesotho is ranked 133 out of 142 countries globally on 35 age group where only 6.2 per cent participated in such the Networked Readiness Index (NRI) (World Economic discussions. Forum, 2012). The networked readiness index is a measure of a country’s propensity to exploit opportunities offered by A signifi cant difference was found in participation in internet communications. It is a composite measure constructed debates between young men and women whereby 15.8 per from three key components comprising (i) the environment cent of male reported participating in internet debates as offered for ICT in a given country. This draws on factors compared to only 8.3 per cent of females. affecting the market, political, regulatory and infrastructural environment; (2) the readiness of key stakeholders to use Much higher levels of participation in internet debates were ICT and (3) actual usage of ICT. reported in urban areas as compared to rural areas. In the urban areas 25.6 per cent of the youth reported participating The data collected in this research confi rms this global in internet debates as compared to only 7.2 per cent of the positioning of the country where ownership and access of youth in rural areas. working computers and internet connections was generally very low among the youth – generally below 10.0 per cent of the youth in both cases. This could partially be attributable 12.9. Discussion to a number of factors which include: (i) the state of the Lesotho’s economy; (ii) levels access to electricity; and 12.9.1. The Digital Divides (iii) the education levels at which students get exposure to computers and the internet.

OECD (2001) defi nes the concept of digital divide as On the question of overall poverty, there is ample evidence comprising “… the gap between individuals, households, that suggests that there is a digital divide between the businesses and geographic areas at different socio- rich and the poor. Across countries, the overall access to economic levels with regard both to their opportunities computers and internet services in high-income countries to access information and communication technologies is higher than in lower-income countries. Similarly within (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety countries and regions, high-income households tend to of activities” (p.5). This study has revealed several digital have higher levels of access to computers and internet divides confronting the youth in Lesotho namely (i) the services than low-income households. The links between global digital divide (ii) urban rural digital divide. Firstly, at access to the internet and income was not tested in this an international comparative basis is can be noted that only study however, Lesotho is currently ranked 158 out of 185 7.0 per cent of the Lesotho’s youth had access to internet countries on the Human Development Index (UNDP, 2013). facilities, 7.4 per cent owned personal computers, 9.5 per High levels of poverty and unemployment generally make cent had access to personal internet connections. This access to computers and internet services and connections situation is refl ective of several conditions including: (i)

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 92 part of luxury items which the poor cannot reach with their Conclusion meagre incomes. This chapter began from the premise that access to Electricity is an essential utility supporting the access and information is a key development facilitator for the youth. use of computers and internet. The fi ndings of this study Data was thus collected the levels of ownership, access indicate very low levels of access to electricity through and use of various Information and Communication the national grid. If the principal form of lighting used by Technologies (ICTs), both old and new comprising radio, youth in the households in which they live can be used as television, computers, the internet and mobile telephones. proxy measure of the level of access to the national grid, The key fi ndings of the survey indicate that 55 per cent of only 25.4 per cent of youth had such access. There were youth owned a working radio which was principally used to also signifi cant differences in this access between urban listen to current affairs. The fi ndings further indicate that and rural areas wherein 65.8 per cent of urban youth had 23 per cent of youth owned a television which was principally access to electricity for lighting as against only 6.6 per cent sued for watching entertainment programmes. Only 7.4 of rural youth having such access. These discrepancies in per cent of youth owned a computer and only 13.8 per overall access to electricity for lighting at the national level cent had access to one. Its primary uses were found to be and between urban and rural areas perhaps also partially entertainment (44.5per cent) and school related activities explains the overall low levels of access to the internet (40.2per cent). The study further found that among youth and ownership of computers at the national level, and the who had access to internet connections (7.1per cent), the differences between urban and rural areas. principal use of the internet was social networking. The ICT most accessible to the youth was found to be the mobile A third important consideration which is perhaps not very phone whereby 74.3 per cent of youth owned one and well captured in this study is the anecdotal evidence that principally used it for social networking. students in Lesotho are generally introduced to computers at tertiary level education institutions. Computers are generally not available at primary, secondary and high school levels in Lesotho. This indeed becomes a major challenge that shifts purchasing priorities of young households. For youth who are exposed early to the internet and computer use, the two soon become a priority purchase item and the converse may be true for the youth who have not been exposed to these technologies at an early age.

The picture is nonetheless not all that bleak. The fi ndings of this study indicate relatively high levels of ownership of, and access to the old ICTs (radio and television) and mobile phones as part of the new ICTs. On average 55.0 per cent of youth owned radios, 24.3 per cent owned televisions and 74.3 per cent owned mobile phones. The principal use of the radio for the youth was to listen to current affairs. This is clearly an indicator of their yearning for information on what is happening in their immediate vicinity and in the world at large. The principal use of the television however was entertainment and the principal use of the mobile phone was for social networking. What would perhaps be important in this case would be to fi nd ways of harnessing these ICTs for youth development in terms of appropriate programming in radio and television and availing other important information to them through short messaging systems (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Systems (MMS).

Page 93 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 CHAPTER 13 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

13.1. Youth Demography - As such this calls for prioritisation on making education accessible for all and encouraging The key message coming out of this demographic analysis youth to stay in school to complete their studies. is that Lesotho is experiencing a youth bulge indicating a Government should further enhance education for massive youth population. This bulge is of dynamic people, all particularly post primary with an emphasis on characterised by constant change, activity, or progress males. and vigour, therefore it is recommended that Lesotho put in place, well thought out National Policies and Manpower Findings also show much lower English literacy levels Development Plans that are cognisant of linkages between more so in the rural area as compared to Sesotho literacy. youth and development. These will expedite utilisation of These disparities suggest that the quality of education in this unparalleled source of economic growth, and social the urban areas is higher owing to comparatively adequate and political transformation, for betterment of the whole availability of human, physical and fi nancial resources. This country. These strategies should take into consideration is a concern particularly because English is a medium of the distribution of the youth population and emphasise international trade. Therefore, profi ciency in English is stimulation of development in those areas that are viewed critically important. by expanding and improving appropriate physical and socio-economic infrastructure. This way a proper balance - For that reason, government needs to improve the between national resources and the number of youth can be quality of English taught in schools particularly in struck. For instance health services, education, food shelter rural areas by providing adequate resources and and employment provision can be planned for effi ciently. improving the learning environment.

The fi ndings of the survey further show that orphanhood Another fi nding of interest is that generally youth drop out is high amongst youth particularly paternal orphanhood of school because of lack of funds. However, another major which indicates high male mortality. In Lesotho males are contributing factor for drop out affecting males specifi cally still the main bread winners and if they are dying in high is initiation school while females are largely affected by numbers it means loss of income, which can render youth early marriage or pregnancy. households vulnerable. In order to curtail adverse effects of orphanhood such as school dropout, malnutrition, lack - Government should address the issue of youth of shelter and lack of psycho-social support, an integrated dropout as a matter of urgency. The introduction approach should be adopted. of free primary education has proven to be an effective strategy in attracting and keeping Some youth were also observed to initiate sexual intercourse children in school. The same strategy should be at a very young age, as early as 12 years. Such occurrences cascaded to the higher levels, especially if the pose a serious sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issue of funds proves to be the most cited reason concern since they heighten maternal and infant morbidity for drop out amongst youth. and mortality. They also truncate females’ opportunities - Initiation schools are part of a cultural heritage. to advance educationally, as such open females to a bleak Their signifi cance as a rite of passage in Sesotho future. Therefore it is recommended that Government culture cannot be underestimated. However, should enforce laws on age at fi rst sexual intercourse and noticing that it can be another infl uential factor age at fi rst marriage. Also enforce SRH strategies that for youth drop-out, it would be best to make specifi cally empower and educate youth to make informed arrangements that will see formal and initiation choices about their lives. schooling exist without a confl ict. A special calendar should be designed that designates special times for initiation that will allow initiates 13.2. Education to resume with their formal schooling immediately after graduation. The schooling cycle should not It is observed that there are more males that have never be interrupted. On the other hand the initiation attended school as compared to females. While there school instructors should be oriented on the are more men at primary levels, the trend is reversed at importance of allowing the initiates to complete secondary and high school levels, with males accounting their studies. There is a vast amount of literature for a greater proportion than females, suggesting that on the link between education and population males drop-out at a higher rate than females, either to go patterns. Education has been shown, for example, to initiation schools or fi nd work to support their families. to have an infl uence on the mortality level. Indeed, It is therefore not surprising to fi nd higher literacy levels more educated people have a greater chance of among females. However, at the levels beyond high school, survival and, hence, longer life expectancy2. They there are more males than females, suggesting that young are more aware of the rules of hygiene and less women discontinue their education either because of fatalistic in the face of disease. Education works to marriage or pregnancy. This poses fundamental challenges improve health and improve longevity. on gender equity.

2 Nicole Bella, UNESCO and Saïd Belkachla, UNESCO Institute for Statis- tics Impact Of Demographic Trends On The Achievement Of The Millenni- um Development Goal Of Universal Primary Education

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 94 A correlation also exists between education and Education offers, on the whole, a better perspective on marriage. Educated people marry later in life than governance matters. Educated youth are likely to have a those with little or no schooling. There is also holistic and broader view on matters affecting their lives a relationship between education and fertility. than uneducated youth with a parochial view of live. They Education not only raises the age at marriage have better access to informative sources of information but it also changes the value systems, leading that can improve their outlook on governance, as well individuals to desire small families. In societies as relatively better analytical skills. Using the latest where most fertility occurs within marital unions, technologies, youth can form networks that strive to for example, an educated woman who marries increase information sharing and promote discussions on later in life will also start having babies later. As a matters affecting them. result she will have fewer children than a woman with little or no education. The structure or age composition of the population further determines 13.3. Employment the size of the school-age population, i.e. the potential demand for education, which is clearly The large youth population constitutes a signifi cant 3 the starting point for any education policy . opportunity for Lesotho - but only if more jobs are created. There is also a correlation between education However, fi ndings indicate a high unemployment rate for and employment. In general, people with higher youth that is associated with lack of initiative to actively seek levels of education have better job prospects; the employment or start own their own businesses. Amongst difference is particularly marked between those the few that wanted to start a business many did not have who have attained upper secondary education and the knowledge how to start a business. those who have not. A general education has a strong positive infl uence on entrepreneurship in Judging by the varying lengths of time taken by youth to terms of becoming self-employed and success. fi nd employment, it is reasonable to conclude that many Experience has a similar relationship although not youth have given up on searching for employment. It is as strong.4 Educated youth are therefore likely to imperative for government to fi nd ways of creating job have increased productivity in the workplace and opportunities that will absorb the growing numbers of competencies. jobless youth. Government should, as the best alternative, promote foreign direct investment, and diversify the local Education has the potential to increase food and indigenous business environment. security. A high proportion of people with education are more likely to be more inquisitive As popular advocacy also dictates, the fi nancial sector and exploratory. They are more likely to research in Lesotho should scale up investment fi nance for small and use a variety of sources to access information and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and develop the related to food production and good eating habits necessary capacity. and alternatives. They are also likely to be more knowledgeable about nutrition and developing The government should facilitate capacity development healthier lifestyles. of fi nancial institutions and enterprises, and provide effective market-based instruments that increase access Furthermore, educated youth are better informed to investment fi nance for youth. about general hygiene – safe water, sanitation and the use of effi cient energies. They can also Government, through local and institutions, should design be advocates for their communities, persuading programmes designed specifi cally to develop and promote responsible authorities to bring developments in entrepreneurial skills and acumen of youth, so that they are their areas. In addition, they are better informed best equipped to start their own businesses. about the implications of substance abuse on health and likely to be engaged in some form Youth representation in the employment sectors is not activities to release stress rather than use a true refl ection of their dominant numbers Youth are drugs. Inversely, they are also likely to be users continuously sidelined in taking part in the economic arena of the more costly potent drugs because of their in an equal footing with the older generation which is known economic position relative to the uneducated to be reluctant to relinquish the reins of power. Youth are youth. Their level of awareness regarding the use of further disadvantaged by their education and experiences health facilities is also higher. They are also more needed in the labour market. An increasing number of aware and informed about the benefi ts of sports young people are now fi nding work in the informal economy, as a viable of source of livelihood and a viable where jobs are usually characterized by insecurity and poor career. Sport and physical activity participation are wages and working conditions. generally promoted for their positive impact on As already noted, educated youth have better job prospects physical and mental health. However, increased than those who never attended school. The educated youth participation in sport and other forms of physical can be more productive than their peers because of their activity are also thought to lead to enhancement literacy advantage. Hence they are more trainable and not of cognitive functioning (information processing), a huge investment risk. An educated youth workforce is memory, concentration, behaviour and academic likely to be aware of government policies and programs 5 achievement . affecting workers, and more likely to notice irregularities in

3 Ibid governance matters, especially in the areas affecting their 4 Zhongchang Chen and Yongqiu Wu Frontiers of Economics in China The welfare. relationship between education and employment: A theoretical analysis and empirical test April 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2, pp 187-211, 5 Strong WB, Malina RM, Blimkie CJR, et al. Evidence based physical activi- ty for school-age youth. Journal of Pediatrics. 2005;146(6):732-737.

Page 95 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 It can be argued that there is a relationship between provides alternative strategies to manage resources and youth employment or unemployment status and their improve dietary practices to improve food security. For vulnerability. Youth who are employed will tend to be more rural youth, emphasis should be on empowering youth self-suffi cient and economically independent than those to be more interested in agriculture, and to improve their who are not. In addition, youth who are employed are likely potential and productivity through providing the knowledge to have a more appealing lifestyle and to invest in the basic base in adaptive agricultural innovations, and to promote necessities such as housing, education, health, and to agriculture as a viable economic opportunity. Recognizing have better eating prospects. Their lives in general tend to the inter-linkages between rural people deprivations such improve in many aspects than those who are not employed. as lack of education on the one hand, and food insecurity and malnutrition on the other, is fundamental. The urban Employment also has a positive effect on one’s self- youth on the other hand need to be educated on low cost yet confi dence. It can therefore be argued that youth with effectively nutritious sources of food since they are more employment can be more resistant to vulnerabilities such of consumers than producers. Notwithstanding, urban as sex work. They are likely to be more informed about youth need also to be educated in small-scale home-based issues of abuse, sexual reproductive health, exploitation gardening methods to be carried out within the small spaces and others. they own. The role of education can therefore be useful and pivotal in alleviating poverty and improving the prevailing food insecurity conditions experienced by some of the youth households. Improved food security also has direct 13.4. Food Security bearing on the general health of people. The incidence and occurrence of diseases becomes limited, and so will be the The fi ndings also show that the majority of youth households regular visits to health facilities. depend more on food purchases than own produce. In view of the high youth unemployment this pattern renders most youth households at the risk of food insecurity. Given their 13.5. Household Drinking Water, Sanitation numerical advantage of the youth and the few employment and Energy prospects in other sectors, it is important for government, development partners, the private sector and civil society The survey indicate that a high percentage of youth organizations to consider the following recommendations households do not have a toilet which is a sanitary risk. for increasing youth involvement in agriculture: There are more households in rural than in the urban areas that do not have a toilet facilities and this is a refl ection of - Improved access to training and capacity their socio-economic and even socio-cultural differences. development to be achieved through improved Therefore, there is a need for a program to increase solidly training at the primary and secondary school level built, healthy and hygienic sanitary facilities in the rural areas as well as educate the rural and to a lesser extent, - Improved and easier access by youth to resources urban dwellers, of the importance of clean sanitary facilities such as land, capital, technology and information and the implications of their general health, mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, it is clear that it remains a challenge - Providing motivation and improving the image for government and its partners to improve coverage of of agriculture through updated policies and piped water, especially in rural areas, in order to eliminate incentives use of water from unsafe sources like uncovered wells and springs. Government has to coordinate the activities of Additional recommendations based on best practices from entities within the Water Sector and derive synergies from other experiences include: the activities of these entities so that more clean water reaches rural and peri-urban communities. One other thing that needs to be done is to carry out tests to determine the - Facilitating networking among youth by providing cleanliness of water from springs and wells and to develop incentives to encourage collaboration and group those into clean water sources by covering them to avoid activity of youth contamination of such water and the health consequences that may arise thereof. Also, educational programs to - Eliminating discrimination against women in teach the people, especially but not exclusively in the rural agriculture in terms of access to land, input, credit areas, of the dangers of consuming contaminated water and markets as well as responsible use of water, conservation of water as well as cleaning of water to eliminate germs must be Facilitating access to and encouraging the use of - mainstreamed into water development projects. appropriate technology The fi ndings also show a high usage of non-renewable, - Developing a data base of agencies that can provide sustainable and clean fuel for cooking, lighting and heating, access to youth on information in agriculture though improved energy services are essential to meeting the MDGs (Sachs, 2005). It is therefore argued by Sachs - Facilitating market opportunities by providing targeted marketing opportunities for primary and (2005) that the UN Millennium Project proposes that value-added agricultural products produced by countries adopt the following specifi c targets for energy young entrepreneurs via special arrangements services to help achieve the Goals by 2015: with schools, hotels etc • Reduce the number of people without effective The disparities observed between urban and rural youth access to modern cooking fuels by 50.0 per cent and sources of food suggest that youth need education that make improved cook-stoves widely available. • Provide access to electricity for all schools, health

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 96 facilities, and other key community facilities. in this activity, two-thirds did so for poverty-driven reasons • Ensure access to motive power in each community. namely, need for money and unemployment, pointing to • Provide access to electricity and modern energy these as the hidden underlying factors to this behaviour. On services for all urban and peri-urban poor. the other hand, a third of them (33.3 per cent) engaged in commercial sex work because of socially-induced reasons Coverage of clean electricity must generally be increased like peer pressure and seeking fun or the thrill. Therefore, in both urban and rural areas as the levels are currently social and economic factors lead to this behaviour so, very low. Lesotho is in great need of electrifi cation as it macro-economic policies aimed at creating employment becomes necessary to reduce dependence on fossil fuels opportunities for the youth as well as social behavioural like petroleum-based fuels and bio-fuels as these pollute change programmes may be the possible remedies the atmosphere leading to global climate change and also for this kind of behaviour. It is a well-known fact that leave some areas severely deforested as a result of cutting unemployment, poverty and lack of recreational activities down trees in order to fi nd wood for fuel. Deforestation are common to all youth even those who do not engage in leads to environmental degradations like erosion of topsoil, commercial sex. Therefore, it is as important to improve the destruction of natural habitats for certain ecosystems and social and economic conditions that cause this behaviour extinction of grasses and other important plant life that for the sake of removing commercial sex workers from the thrives in such forests. Short-term solutions could be to streets into decent occupations, as it is for improving the encourage solar electrifi cation and to improve the road and standard of living for all other youth. Also, the levels of transportation infrastructure to make the retail sector more soliciting commercial sex services have been found to be accessible for rural dwellers to have access to petroleum- higher among male youth and the urban youth, as well as based fuels like liquid petroleum gas, paraffi n, petrol, and youth aged 18 to 32 and these groups probably need more diesel, at reasonable ease and at reasonable prices or even targeting in behaviour change campaigns. introduce subsidies so as to not drive people even lower below the poverty line. Alcohol and substances abuse is low but there is potential for increase given the fact that youth seem to be under peer 13.6. Youth Vulnerabilities pressure, lack of entertainment and leisure activities in general. The following policy recommendations can thus be made: Behavioural Change Communication programs aimed at the youth and sexual health need to be implemented in - Public policies should be geared to supporting young order to curb engagement of youth in early sexual activities people to make responsible choices and create a especially outside of marriage. Many youth were observed culture in which young peoples’ right to choose not to have sexual intercourse way too early as early as 12 to use alcohol or to use it responsibly is respected. years, coupled with incidences of early age at fi rst marriage - Promotion and marketing of alcohol and drugs and early age at marriage. This calls for intervention as reinforce a positive image and often directly or this exposes them to adverse consequences of sexual indirectly are targeted at young people. Therefore, intercourse like unplanned pregnancies, contracting STIs restrictions on alcohol marketing should be put in and HIV which might blight their future and force them to place and enforced in order for young people to make drop out of school and therefore never realise their full informed decisions. potential. The youth also seem to have multiple concurrent - All young people should be protected from the harm sexual partnerships coupled with inconsistent condom that others can cause to them. Government should usage, and low knowledge of their HIV status, therefore ensure that those suffering damage to their personal these poses as a high risk for HIV infection, STIs and lives and studies should receive help and support for unplanned pregnancies. themselves and their families. The best vehicle for effective advocacy is youth organizations. They have The survey results show that 51.9 per cent of youth who an important role to play in infl uencing public policy have one sexual partner and 65.7 per cent of those who have to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug related harm more than one sexual partner use condoms consistently. among young people. This is an interesting observation that consistent condom use is practiced more by youth who have more than one There are linkages between substance and alcohol abuse sexual partner, suggesting more ways of looking at research and youth’s level of education and employment status. on the effects of having multiple concurrent partners. Youth with low levels of education are less informed about This prompts further research on the effects of MCP on the effects of substance and alcohol abuse to their health. safe sexual practices and spread of STIs. It has also been In addition, youth who are unemployed remain idle and highlighted by the fi ndings of the survey that consistent safe experience more socio-economic pressures than their sex is practiced more by males and urban youth. Therefore, counterparts. As their responses already show, many use behaviour change and educational campaigns should target substances and alcohol as a form of entertainment and to these segments of the youth population in order to yield a relief stress. This is a way of diverting their thoughts from greater effect. the pressures of being unemployed and the challenges of providing for their families and their own personal needs. There are low incidences of commercial sex work but there are chances that it might increase in the absence of economic employment when other youth discover the 13.7. Health Services Utilisation potential economic benefi ts of commercial sex work. A small portion (1.5 per cent) of the youth have engaged in The survey shows that most youth use health facilities but commercial sex work and of these youth who have engaged the level is too low particularly in rural areas to achieve desired levels for optimal health and well being. The satisfaction level of the youth with the health services was

Page 97 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 a bare minimum. Therefore the Ministry of Health needs prove a crucial asset for boosting economic development to address quality of services offered at health facilities as in the country. Young people should therefore be given a well as increase the number of health facilities available much needed voice and the opportunity to participate in particularly to rural dwellers. Also, national and inventory decision-making. However the fi ndings show minimal youth systems meant for management of drug fl ows need to be participation in policy formation and policy implementation, rehabilitated or even redesigned, and connected, in order to and limited participation in governance. Given these ensure availability of drugs at all time in all health facilities observation it is recommended that: and avoid long lead times for drug orders to be delivered where needed. 1. The NYC takes leadership in youth organizing through the identifi cation, encouragement and 13.8. Sports and Recreation facilitating youth leadership training grounds for youth led development at local and national levels. The fi ndings show that more than half of the youth 2. MGYSR facilitates the revision of the National Youth population does not participate in sports, in other words Policy in order to provide an enabling environment they are idle hence vulnerable to devious behaviour. Those for youth participation. that participate are faced with limited sports facilities and accompanying equipment. The survey results further 3. Youth be trained in resource mobilization in order suggest that soccer and netball are the two major sports to enhance their participation in civic life. therefore the relevant government ministry and non-state sponsors may need to focus on in order to make them economically viable as means of earning a living and building a profi table sports industry, especially given Lesotho’s 13.8. Information and Communication high rate of youth unemployment. Very few of the youth Technologies participate in the other sporting activities like volleyball, basketball, etc. So, it may be worthwhile to encourage youth to take part in these other sports so as to diversify the Knowledge is a potent tool in the fi ght against poverty now largely dormant sports industry in Lesotho. Therefore, (UNESCO, 2005) within a context of increasing human youth sports and recreation policies and strategies have to capabilities for human development. Young people are be devised to encourage these vast numbers of youth who bound to play a major role because they are often among do not participate in sports to start taking part, especially the fi rst to use new technologies and establish them as females. Also, in these sporting activities, it appears that features of everyday life (ibid). Enhancing the opportunities the participation of urban youth lags behind than that of of young people to participate in knowledge economies rural youth and so, there is a need to create incentives through their access to information technologies must to attract urban youth to participate more in sports, therefore be an absolute priority. However the fi ndings especially since urban youth tend to rank higher in other indicate that youth in Lesotho have very limited access socially undesirable activities like playing computer games, to ICT. It is against this backdrop that the following key spending too much time on social networks like Facebook, interventions are recommended: early initiation of sexual intercourse, contracting of STIs and engaging in commercial sex work or even soliciting 1. Enhancing mobile phones, radio and television into the services of commercial sex workers. So, encouraging service delivery platforms including (i) coordination growth of sports and recreation will help divert youth from of supply chains; (ii) provision on employment and engaging in this other practices that are detrimental to entrepreneurial opportunities; and (iii) facilitation their well-being. of fi nancial, agricultural, health and educational services. When asked to suggest solutions to the problems youth face in sports, 21.8 per cent of them suggested that there 2. Through civic education encouraging youth to use the should be a wide area earmarked for sporting activities and various ICT technologies to hold government more that setting up of well equipped sporting facilities will be accountable and responsive to their needs. a solution. Also, 14.1 per cent of the youth have indicated that provision of professional coaching as well as provision of sponsorship will go a long way in solving the problems 3. It will be important to continuously monitor the gap in and challenges which they face in sports. Therefore, these accessing ICT between young men and young women recommended solutions are to be prioritised in an effort to ensure that it does not widen; to increase youth’s participation in sporting activities and make their participation in them as effortless as possible. 4. Greater investment in access to the infrastructure required to increase internet and mobile phone 13.7. Governance and Youth Participation connectivity throughout the country. Greater effort needs to be made to expand ICT to schools The potential of the Lesotho youth must be realized by at lower levels – both primary and secondary schools. To giving them infl uence over policies and strategies. Tapping this extent the Ministry of Education’s Strategic plan calls into the creativity and knowledge of young people could for (a) the development of an ICT policy and strategy for secondary schools and (b) facilitating the procurement of

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 98 ICT equipment for schools and monitoring offi ces (MOET, attention to the fact that Lesotho’s ICT policy, objectives 2005). and strategies for youth, as presented in the National ICT Policy, have a wide range of gaps. The policy is presented The recommendations of this study also need to draw in Box 1 below.

Box 1: Lesotho’s ICT Policy, Objectives and Strategies Pertaining to Youth

Lesotho’s Policy, Objectives and Strategies Government is committed to deploying ICTs as tools in the process of ensuring gender equality, empowering and recog- nising women and youth in the development process. Objectives • Use ICTs as a vehicle to increase participation of youth and women in the development process. • Use of ICTs as tools to promote gender equality in areas of education, employment, land and other social benefi ts. • Include information needs of both men and women in designing ICT training programmes. • Increase access to ICTs for youth and women in rural areas. Strategies • Promote the use of the Internet and e-commerce to facilitate access for women and youth in business. • Develop ICT training and awareness programmes targeted at youth and women. • Promote affordable access to ICTs for youth and women • Promote the use of ICTs in addressing social issues such as health and food security among youth and women. • Include a gender perspective in the development of content for ICT applications. • Make access to ICT education, training, and literacy at school equitable.

Policy Measures, Instruments and Initiatives The Government through the Ministry responsible for Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation, in coordination with civil society and the private sector, shall: • Establish fora where youth and women can articulate their information needs as well as barriers to access to ICTs and related services. • Work with the Ministry of Education to ensure equality of access to ICT education for both sexes. • Work with the private sector and civil society to design pilot projects to expose youth and women to business opportu- nities made possible by the use of ICTs.

The key policy gaps include the following: • Encouraging all educational institutions to invest in computers and to connect to the Internet

• Developing ICT curricula for all levels of the education system

• Working with the private sector to create affordable packages and schemes under which students, teachers, and educational institutions can afford ICT products and services.

Page 99 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 REFERENCES

Bless, C., Highson-Smith C. and Kagee A. 2006. Fundamentals of Social Research Methods: An African Perspective. Fourth edition. Cape Town, South Africa: Juta. Bureau of Statistics Lesotho, 2002. 2001 Lesotho Demographic Survey. Maseru Bureau of Statistics. Bureau of Statistics Lesotho. 2012. 2011 Lesotho Demographic Survey. Maseru: Bureau of Statistics. Delgardo, M., and Staples, L., (2008), Youth-Led Community Organising: Theory and Action. New York: Oxford University Press. Glaser, B., 1992. Emergence versus Forcing: Basics of Grounded Theory Analysis. Mill Valley, CA: Sociology Press. Government of Lesotho. 2004. Lesotho Epidemiological Fact Sheet. [data.unaids.org/Publications/Fact-Sheets01/ Lesotho_en.pdf: Date Retrieved, 2012/02/16] Holt, N.L., and Knight, C.J., (2011), “Sport Participation” in Encyclopaedia of Adolescence, Vol. 2: Interpersonal and Socio-Cultural Factors. Amsterdam: Elsevier. International Monitory Fund (IMF), (2006), Lesotho Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Prioritisation and Cost Matrix. International Monitory Fund, Publication Services, 700 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20431. Rey, J.M., (2011), Young People and Alcohol Impact, Policy, Prevention and Treatment. Edited by John B. Saunders, published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, The Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8SQ, UK. Green, K., (2011). Key Themes in Youth Sport. Routledge, 270 Madison Avenue, New York. Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission. (2010), Development and Growth Strategy 2010 - 2014. Maseru, Lesotho. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) [Lesotho], (2010), 2009 Lesotho demographic and Health Survey report, Maseru Lesotho; Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: Department of Social Welfare, Lesotho. 2007. National Policy on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (NPOVC). Moser, C.O.N., (1993), Gender Planning and Development; Theory Practice and Training. London and New York: Routledge. Sachs, J.D., (2005), Investing in Development: A Practical Action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. London and Sterling VA.: Earthscan and Millennium Development Project. Simmons R., and Elias C., (1994). “The study of client-provider interactions: A review of methodological issues.” Studies in Family Planning 25(1): 1-17. Tadros, M., (2010), “Faith Based Organisations and Service Delivery: Some Conundrums, Gender Development Programme Paper No. 11, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development. World Bank, (2007), “Consultations with Civil Society: A Sourcebook Working Document”, World Bank Civil Society Team, Feb. 2007. United Nations, (2000), World Programme of Action for Youth to year 2000 and Beyond. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. UNFPA. 2001. Population, Environment and Poverty Linkages Operational Challenges. Population and Development Strategies No. 1. United Nations. 2005. Designing Household Survey Samples: Practical Guidelines. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Statistics Division. Studies in Methods Series F No. 98. New York. UNDP, 2010. Kenya Human Development Report 2009. UNDP, (2001), Human Development Report 2001: Making New Technologies for Work Human Development. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press. UNFPA, (2011). Africa Youth Report. World Economic Forum, (2009), The Global Information Report 2008 – 2009: Mobility in a Networked World. Geneva: World Economic Forum and INSEAD.

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, (2012) LESOTHO Global AIDS Response Country Progress Report: Towards Zero new infections, Zero AIDS related deaths and zero discrimination. STATUS OF THE NATIONAL RESPONSE TO THE 2011 POLITICAL DECLARATION ON January 2010-December 2011.

Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012 Page 100 Government of Lesotho Ministry of Development Planning P.O Box 630 Maseru 100

United Nations Development Programme 3rd Floor UN House, United Nations Road P. O. Box 301, Maseru 100, Lesotho www.undp.org

Page 101 Lesotho Youth Empowerment Survey 2012