World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

Cash for Assets is an innovative approach being used in hunger-stricken areas of Lesotho. The village chief (in white) speaks with project partners, including WFP's Assistant Executive Director (far left) about the positive impact the project is having on his community. 

The Cash for Assets programme is helping communities to overcome environmental challenges by creating community assets such as stone lines. These structures help protect against erosion from heavy rains.  

The Cash for Assets programme supports 138 people in the tiny village of Rantsimane, 75% of whom are women. The initiative aims to support 145,000 people countrywide. 

Mamphuphutha proudly shows her house that her community helped build in 2003. Living with her is her husband and two young children. "We were scared when we lost our crops, but the Cash for Assets programme made sure that my family didn't go hungry," she says.

The Cash for Assets programme has been very successful in the village of Rantsimane due in part to the strong level of community participation. Both men and women lend their voices to ensure sucess. "This programme fills us with pride," says one local man. 

A journey into the city allows these women to collect their payment, money which is then invested directly in the local economy.