Lesotho Country Report NTR 2280 PDF

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Title: South Africa's Hidden Gem, Lesotho is an informational report discussing the culture and cuisine of Lesotho...

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Bernardino1 Holly Marie Bernardino Jasmine Illkay NTR 2280 Food and Culture 21 October 2019 South Africa’s Hidden Treasure: Lesotho The Earth is home to many of inhabitants consisting of animals, plants, living organisms, and most importantly, humans. Though hard work, time, and dedication, these individuals contributed to the establishment of civilizations and countries throughout the entire world. Countries can be described as a part of the world where the people living in it has a distinct way or pattern of living their lives. These puzzle pieces of the world make up continents, which all have their own big picture to display to the rest of the world. They contribute to making the world more connected within its individuals. Africa consists of one of the seven continents that remain on the face of the Earth. Africa is home to many countries, but one stands out in terms of creating meaningful relationships with the rest of the world. Lesotho creates a strong impression and impact on the world to show that enclaved countries can make a difference through its contributions in economics, history, and culture in order to foster connections with others. History and Economics of the Culture Lesotho can be described as a part of the very few countries that are surrounded by another country. It is a tiny place that weighs in with total of 11,716 square feet (Spence 5). Lesotho remains significantly high in altitude, for which majority of the country is over 1,800 meters which means that the temperature is low. It is so low that it even snows! (Geography Now). While Lesotho borders Southern Africa, the Vatican City and San Marino are bordered by Italy instead (Migiro). In the past, Lesotho used to be under ownership of the British, but in the

[Bernardino] 2 year 1966, it gained its independence, as well as a new name. Lesotho was formally known as Basutoland. The three primary sources of economic activity consist of diamond mining, textile and clothing industry, and agriculture. According to the World Fact Book provided by the Central Intelligence Agency, Lesotho’s Gross Domestic Product remains at 6.656 billion in 2017. Uniqueness of the Culture There are variety of attributes that compliment Lesotho’s uniqueness. Whenever one thinks or visualizes an African country, they think of a dry burning desert incredibly high temperature. However, in Lesotho, temperatures can get significantly low. A significant piece of fashion in Lesotho consists of their textiles and blankets, as known as the mohair. These blankets and textiles are made from goat fur, which is known as mohair. They can come in various colors and designs. In addition to its blankets, Lesotho is also known for a certain type of head ware which is sold in a tourist shop. The Mokorotlo is the national hat that is shaped like a cone with circular handles. Music in Lesotho is created by using Lekolo flute and the string based instrument Thomo which are used during social event gatherings (Geography Now). I find that the most unique thing to their culture would be their adaptation and response to the climate, regarding its cold temperatures. It brings awareness and shatters the image or expectation that not every African country possesses a hot burning climate. Major Religions of the Culture According to the World Trade Press, “Christianity is the predominant religion in Lesotho, with a following of 85 percent of the population. The remaining 15 percent are Muslims (the largest religious minority), Hindus, Bahai’s, Buddhists, and followers of traditional indigenous religious belief”. Christians who live in Lesotho utilize food in their religious traditions. For example, Gourd, Kaffir-corn, and pumpkin seeds are put near the corpse in order to symbolize

[Bernardino] 3 peace. The “reception meal” consists of a sheep or a goat being killed to give at the funeral. The killed animal is seen as their “companion” in the afterlife (Ashton 107). Like the Egyptians, the concept of the afterlife is acknowledged, which shows how there is a continuity between the two civilizations and their ways of doing things. This foreshadows what great things Lesotho could potentially accomplish, like building iconic pyramids. Common Foods Used by the Culture There are a variety of foods that compose the staples of Lesotho culture. Lesotho grains consists of maize, kaffir-corn, wheat, sweet cane, peas, beans, oats, and barley. While maize and black beans are indigenous to Lesotho, wheat, fruit, and miscellaneous vegetables were brought from missionaries. Pumpkins, squashes, and cereals are also cultivated. Livestock is also a prominent part, for which sheep, goats, and cattle are raised for various purposes such as dairy and meat. Two distinct dishes consist of Motoho, which is a national dish that is a “sour porridge made of sorghum, usually accompanied with salty collard greens and beetroot and carrot salads” (Geography Now) and the “Pap-Pap” which can be compared to polenta (Longacre). I find it interesting to see the different types of crops that Lesotho can cultivate despite its unusual climate and temperatures. It shows other countries that creating a stable food supply is possible despite difficulties. Meal Patterns and Etiquette Lesotho has a strong sense of when meals should be. Meals are worked solely around activities such as hard labor and socializing. Breakfast is the absolute first meal of the day that everyone engages in. Some simply eat whenever they feel overworked. At the end of the day, dinner is served amongst everyone. In terms of etiquette, there are a variety of rules that are needed to be followed. Greetings, whether it would be to a friend or a stranger must be said.

[Bernardino] 4 Most importantly, one should follow the idea that “The traveler is not chased away”. In terms of table manners, cooking and dining utensils are usually brought to the house that is holding the feast, while bowls containing food and pots containing beer are distributed amongst guests by moving from person to person (Ashton 92). Family time is just as important as time with friends in a Lesotho household, which I find very heartwarming and charming. This displays the strong sense of hospitality that Lesotho possesses within its culture which is essential for others to see and experience one day. Cultural Food Tasting Experience In order to complete this portion of this assignment, I chose to proceed with my cultural food tasting experience by creating the dish “Butha-Buthe”, which is also known as Spinach and Tangerine Soup (Longacre). The process for this recipe was not difficult, but it still challenged me to try new things as for a person who does not frequently cook. In order to prepare the dish, I needed to extract juice from tangerines. This was simply done by cutting tangerines down the middle with a shap knife and using a hand juicer by to obtain an adequate amount of juice the recipe. I had to apply a significant amount of pressure when juicing in order to get as much juice out of the fruit. I also made sure not to apply so much pressure so that I do not damage my hand juicer. This process took longer because I did not have an electric juicer. I had to dice the onions in finely chopped pieces. I cooked the onions with butter by making sure that they are translucent. In a separate pan, I used oil to cook the spinach until it absorbed it. I added the tangerine juice to the pot, placed the lid on top, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The sweetness of the tangerine juice complemented the savory taste of the chicken broth. The spinach, split peas, and the onions were an interesting combination, for which both vegetables were significantly smooth. The scent of the seasoning mixed with the fresh,

[Bernardino] 5 energizing scent of the tangerine citrus was a wonderful combination. I really enjoyed the taste of the sweet and tangy tangerine and the earthy turmeric together, for which it helped me clear my throat. The savory taste of the chicken broth complimented the taste of the tangerines. When preparing the soup, it had a very strong aroma throughout the entire kitchen. When I added the yogurt to the soup, the chewiness and smooth texture slid down my throat like tofu. for which it was creamy and soft. The spinach remained a rich dark green after cooking. The actual broth appeared to be a dark mustard color with hits of yellow, brown, orange, and white.

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Nutrition Guidance System Unlike many countries, Lesotho does not have has a way to measure the nutritional values of their population to makes sure that they are healthy. According to the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, there is not a system for Lesotho. However, there is a system for South Africa. The food plate states that “starchy foods; vegetables and fruits, dry beans, peas, lentils and soya; chicken, fish, meat and eggs; milk, maas, yoghurt; fat and oil; and water” are to be eaten regularly (Food and Agriculture of the United Nations). According to the study published by the American Public Health Association, the people of Lesotho have decided to use the Road To Health and the Growth Surveillance. In this study, it shows that these people are relatively healthy since majority of their diet consists of plants and seldom meat. They meet the food guidance system chosen because the studies how “Thus the final adjusted score for interpretation and action was 4.3 (with CI of .43 to 8.17) in favor of RTH after the second week of training” (Ruel, Marie, Pullitier). The study that was done consisted of health workers gaining exercise during a period over a span of two weeks. Seeing the success in this study being completed shows the potential in Lesotho becoming a dietary balanced country. It gives me hope in seeing how the health of Lesotho will change in the future.

[Bernardino] 7 Health Beliefs The environment plays a crucial role in the health of the people living Lesotho. The terrain is mountainous and rocky, meaning that erosion is inevitable. This causes soil to runoff into the water sources of the country, leading to inadequate drinking water and sanitation. Poor sanitation leads to poor health. Unfortunately, according to Elizabeth Purdy, “With an adult prevalence rate of 28.9 percent, Lesotho has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. Out of a population of 2,022,331 people, 29,000 Basotho have died and another 320,000 are living with the disease” (Purdy 2). Since the country is still considered to be an undeveloped country today, it does not have the best resources regarding health and safety. One of the herbs that are used for medicinal processes consists of the Aloe Ferox. This form of Aloe is known to help in a variety of ways such as protecting against cancer, immunity for the inflammatory system, and as herb to help you calm down. It is placed on the eyes, skin, and anywhere around the mouth, stomach, or the throat. It is also utilized to make one’s bowel movements much easier and smoother to initiate (Mahomodally). Another herb that is used for medicinal purposes consists of koena and legana. Their leaves placed into the noses of cold-ridden people in order to stop intense sneezing (Ashton 302). Even though deadly chronic diseases like AIDS and HIV may darken the future heath of people living in Lesotho, their medicinal herbs and treatments remain as a spark to potentially make advances in healthcare. History and Cultural Challenges in the United States Since there is not a large demographic presence of individuals from Lesotho living in the United States, the best way to compare these individuals to consist of other African Americans living in in the United States. Some potential challenges that the people of Lesotho may face

[Bernardino] 8 consist of discrimination, being labeled with stereotypes such as being hostile or uneducated, or prone to high rates of crime. What’s interesting is that Lesotho has a 90% literacy rate (Geography Now), which goes against the stereotype of African Americans being not educated. Social oppression may also occur in places such as education or in the workplace, which is unfortunate but may happen. As a minority, I would hope to see an increase in Lesotho descent in the future. My Culture Comparison to Assigned Country

Geography/Environment

Two similarities between Two differences Between my my culture and assigned culture and assigned country country ● Both the Philippines ● Since the Philippines is and Lesotho fall on

in a tropical climate, it

volcanic territories.

is unable to snow there

● Both the Philippines and Lesotho have a form of some type of

unlike Lesotho that gets snow. ● While the Philippines

shack or house that is

composed of a cluster of

built from non

islands in Asia, Lesotho

manmade materials.

remains a piece of land

While Filipinos have

attached to South Africa

“nipa huts” made of

(The WorldFactBook).

bamboo, people of Lesotho have huts

[Bernardino] 9 made from stone and cement. (Bernardino)

Population (people, diversity, language(s) spoken…etc.)

● Both the Philippines

● While the Philippines

and Lesotho speak

speak Tagalog, Lesotho

English (The

speaks Sesotho

WorldFactBook).

(Geography Now).

● Both Lesotho and the

● While the population in

Phillipines have a

the Phillipines is

median age for

occuring in mostly

women to be about

farmlands, Lesotho’s

24 years old. (The

population occurs in the

WorldFactBook).

smaller cities within the nations (The World FactBook).

Religion

● Both Lesotho and the

● While the Philippines

Philippines have a

celebrates Christmas for

part of their

about four months,

population that

Lesotho celebrates it for

identify as either

a normal period

Christian, Catholic,

(Geography Now).

or Protestant (The

● Lesotho believes in the

World FactBook).

afterlife, while the

[Bernardino] 10 ● Both countries celebrate Christmas.

Staple Food Items

● Both the Philippines

Philippines do not (Ashton 93)

● The Philippines

and Lesotho raise

incorporates rice as a

cattle.

part of a staple food

● Both have a form of squash that is used as a daily staple.

item, while Lesotho does not. ● The Philippines has a type of tuberous root in their diet, while Lesotho does not.

Health Beliefs

●

Both Filipinos and

● Masothos believes that

Masothos have some

having a a mofifi stick

type of medicine that

will stop hail from

is rubbed

occurring and bringing

“everywhere” in

sickness (Ashton 314),

order to alleviate

while Filipinos do not

pain, whether it

have a belief in stopping

would be Vicks

the weather to affect

Vapor Rub or Aloe

health.

Ferox (Bernardino).

● While Masothos believe that meseletso, a

[Bernardino] 11 ● Both cultures use

medicine will protect

some type of plant to

crops that will give

alleviate sickness. In

them nutrients (Ashton

the Philippines,

287, Filipinos believe

calamansi used for

that curses will prevent

sore throat, just as

crops and even people

bohloko is used to

from growing

treat wounds (Ahston

(Bernardino).

303). Even though Lesotho and the Philippines remain on different hemispheres of the world, they share some significant similarities with one another. It’s interesting to think about how both of our countries were conquered or controlled by another country and how they both gained independence. I wonder if the Philippines had its chance of being its own separate state just like how Lesotho is independent from South Africa. I feel a deeper connection to Lesotho now knowing that our people had to fight for the future of our generations. Conclusion Lesotho is an amazing country filled with many great sights, sounds, and traditions. One should not overlook this country when planning a visit to a different country for a vacation. The Lesotho have a rich culture within their ways of creating connections. They have delicious food, friendly dispositions, and a strong sense of beliefs and morals. Even though Lesotho may be a small, secluded place, it opens its doors for the rest of the world to cherish, enjoy, and to engage with its rich and beautiful culture that it has to offer.

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Works Cited Page Ashton, E. H. The Basuto: A Social Study of Traditional and Modern Lesotho. 2nd ed. London; New York: Published for the International African Institute by the Oxford UP, 1967. Print. Bernardino, Estela. Personal Interview. 1 Oct. 2019 Geography Now. “Geography Now! LESOTHO (HALF WAY DONE SPECIAL!)”. YouTube, Mar. 2018, https://youtu.be/dgPLD_XzggY. Geography Now. “Geography Now! Philippines”. Youtube, 2 Oct. 2019, https://youtu.be/LVFvRNRTEd4 Longacre, Darlene. “Lesotho Spinach and Tangerine Soup (Butha-Buthe).” International Cuisine, 2 June 2016, www.internationalcuisine.com/lesotho-spinach-tangerine-soup/. Longacre, Darlene. “Our Journey to Lesotho.” International Cuisine, 1 June 2016, www.internationalcuisine.com/about-food-and-culture-of-lesotho/. Mahomoodally, M. Fawzi. "Traditional Medicines in Africa: An Appraisal of Ten Potent

[Bernardino] 13 African Medicinal Plants." Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM 2013 (2013): 617459. Web. Migiro, Geoffrey. "What Are The Three Enclaved Countries Of The World?" WorldAtlas, Sept. 21, 2018, worldatlas.com/articles/which-are-the-three-enclaved-countries-of-the-world.html. National Department of Health. “South Africa.” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, www.fao.org/nutrition/education/food-dietary-guidelines/regions/countries/south-africa/en/ . Purdy, Elizabeth. "Lesotho." Encyclopedia of Environment and Society. Ed. Paul Robbins. Vol. 1. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, Inc., 2007. 1041-1042. SAGE Knowledge. Web. 22 Oct. 2019, doi: 10.4135/9781412953924.n636. Ruel, Marie, and David Pelletier. "Comparison of Two Growth Charts in Lesotho: Health Workers' Ability to Understand and Use Them for Action." American Journal of Public Health 81.5 (1991): 610-5. Web. Spence, J. E. Lesotho: The Politics of Dependence. London, New York: Published for the Institute of Race Relations [by] Oxford U.P., 1968. Print. “The World Factbook: Lesotho.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Feb. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/lt.html. “The World Factbook: Philippines.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 1 Feb. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html. World, Trade Press. Lesotho Society & Culture Complete Report : An All-Inclusive Profile Combining All of Our Society and Culture Reports, World Trade Press, 2010. ProQuest

[Bernardino] 14 Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/csupomona/detail.action?docID=536008....