How is ReNOKA doing things differently?

Too often Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) is delivered through short-term, standalone projects. These fragmented efforts make it difficult to achieve lasting change in complex catchment systems.
1 A gender- and youth-inclusive, community-driven approach 2 A cross-sectoral and risk-informed approach 3 ICM planning at two levels 4 Sustainable institutions and governance 5 New financing mechanisms to fund ICM institutions and processes 6 Data and research for effective ICM 7 Sustainable livelihoods strengthen resilience 8 Building a new generation of ICM leaders 9 Regional integration and coherence

ReNOKA takes a different approach.

Catchment restoration requires long-term commitment, coordination across sectors, and strong local institutions. ReNOKA is working to move beyond project-by-project interventions by supporting an inclusive, coherent ICM governance framework for Lesotho.
“A vital issue for Lesotho’s natural resources and ICM is establishing a permanent authority to develop a long-term programme that donors and other entities can support, as opposed to piecemeal, short-term projects.”

– Prof. Qalabane Chakela

ReNOKA is designed as both a national government programme and a movement. It brings together communities in rural and urban areas, government, traditional authorities, civil society, the private sector and development partners to take shared responsibility for land and water management.

ReNOKA coordinates all ICM planning and implementation efforts in Lesotho, supports strengthening institutions at national, catchment and local levels, and pilots sustainable financing mechanisms.

Innovation is central to the ReNOKA approach. So what does this look like in practice?

A gender- and youth-inclusive, community-driven approach

A gender- and youth-inclusive, community-driven approach

ReNOKA brings together communities, government, civil society, academia, the private sector and development partners to work collectively on integrated catchment management (ICM).

Local knowledge and lived experience are central to this approach. Communities – including women and youth – are actively involved in planning, decision-making and implementation, helping to ensure that actions reflect real priorities for all on the ground.

At district level, ReNOKA’s Catchment Planning Units support communities with coordination, technical guidance and alignment across government departments. Practical tools and guidelines help ensure that gender and youth inclusion are embedded throughout the process.

A cross-sectoral and risk-informed approach

A cross-sectoral and risk-informed approach

ReNOKA looks at land, water, food and energy as connected systems, not separate challenges. By using ICM as a shared planning platform, it helps reduce negative impacts from upstream land use on water security and livelihoods downstream.

Its risk-informed planning focuses on the human drivers of land degradation and water insecurity, such as unsustainable farming and grazing. Through targeted studies, training and support, ReNOKA strengthens the ability of institutions and stakeholders to make informed decisions and build long-term resilience across Lesotho and the wider Basin.

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ICM planning at two levels

ICM planning at two levels

ReNOKA implements ICM planning at both Catchment Management Area and community levels, combining ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation and sustainable livelihoods goals.
  • At the Catchment Management Area level, Integrated Catchment Management and Development Plans guide stakeholder-led decisions, prioritising interventions and adaptation measures while informing national and Basin-wide planning frameworks.
  • At the community level, Community Council ICM Action Plans are developed with local residents through participatory exercises like transect walks and visioning. Catchment Planning Units support communities in identifying challenges, selecting solutions and implementing climate-resilient measures. This bottom-up approach empowers communities to take ownership of protecting and restoring land and water resources.
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Sustainable institutions and governance

Sustainable institutions and governance

ReNOKA is strengthening institutions to support long-term, coordinated catchment management.
At the village and community levels, Watershed Teams help farmers, herders and other resource users to manage land and water together. Village Watershed Teams feed into Community ones, which work with Catchment Planning Units to develop ICM plans and guide communities in rehabilitation and protection. Where resources span council or district boundaries, Catchment Management Joint Committees oversee planning and implementation.

At the district and national levels, inter-ministerial structures such as the National Technical Secretariat and the ReNOKA-chaired Data Reference Group provide technical support and coordination across sectors. The ICM Coordination Unit (ICU) ensures sustainable, multi-level coordination of planning, implementation and monitoring.

Legal reforms, including updates to the Water Act and Water Resource Management Bill, anchor these institutions and planning processes, giving ReNOKA a strong, long-term foundation. Guidelines and training empower communities to implement and enforce ICM priorities in their areas.

Explore our Learning Laboratory
New financing mechanisms to fund ICM institutions and processes

New financing mechanisms to fund ICM institutions and processes

To make ICM sustainable, ReNOKA is testing innovative financing mechanisms to fund planning and implementation.
ReNOKA is working on developing two main instruments:
(i) Revolving Fund – secures funding for recurrent costs, including planning, research, and monitoring.

(ii) Outcome Fund – an independent mechanism for implementing ICM measures, with its own governance and rules.

Both rely on strong project proposals and experienced implementing partners. To build local capacity, ReNOKA is piloting financing and support schemes such as:
  • Grants to Community Councils through the ICM-LoCAL fund for priority ICM measures, supporting fiscal decentralisation and council accountability.
  • Direct material support and small grants to communities and community-based organisations for voluntary, small-scale ICM projects.
These pilots help communities and councils gain experience in managing funds and implementing measures, preparing them for full-scale financing from the new mechanisms.
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Data and research for effective ICM

Data and research for effective ICM

ReNOKA uses a data-driven approach to plan, implement and monitor ICM. Land cover, hydrological, climate and socioeconomic data, combined with research from the National University of Lesotho, help guide evidence-based, risk-informed decisions and identify best practices for sustainable catchment management.

The multi-stakeholder Data Reference Group coordinates land and water data, supporting monitoring, baseline assessments and drone-based data collection.

The ReNOKA Land Cover Database tracks land cover changes using satellite imagery and machine learning, providing a baseline to evaluate the impact of ICM measures. This data supports transparency and accountability, informing national planning as well as regional and international reporting.

Lesotho Landcover Dashboard
View the Lesotho Landcover Dashboard
ReNOKA
Sustainable livelihoods strengthen resilience

Sustainable livelihoods strengthen resilience

ReNOKA integrates livelihood initiatives into ICM plans to diversify incomes, increase resilience, and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Saving and Internal Loans Communities (SILCs) help members cover household expenses, invest in farming inputs, or start small businesses. Community-based organisations promote activities such as beekeeping, fruit orchards, and intercropping of corn with fodder crops, which boost income, improve livestock quality, and protect rangelands.

Marketing support, farmer learning centres, and behavioural change initiatives help communities adopt sustainable agricultural and range practices while strengthening long-term resilience.

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Building a new generation of ICM leaders

Building a new generation of ICM leaders

ReNOKA is developing skills and knowledge across communities, government, academia and the private sector to promote effective, adaptive catchment management. Capacity-building combines local, and where possible indigenous, expertise with globally relevant approaches to meet current and future challenges.

Tailored learning opportunities include non-formal education, university courses, professional training, on-the-job mentoring, and domestic and international exchanges. Partnerships with organisations like the National University of Lesotho, SADC WaterNet, and the Geography and Environment Movement strengthen the next generation of ICM practitioners and leaders.

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Regional integration and coherence

Regional integration and coherence

ReNOKA serves as a regional example of integrated catchment management, linking Lesotho with ORASECOM and SADC. Through knowledge products, exchange visits and participation at regional events, ReNOKA shares lessons, promotes best practices, and encourages replication across Southern Africa. 

Transboundary awareness and learning activities highlight both the challenges and the economic value of shared water management, supporting peer-to-peer learning between countries.

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