LESOTHO’S WHITE GOLD: A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR VIRTUAL WATER TRADE

Abstract

In literature, the significance of virtual water trade takes many different shapes. In order to increase regional water use efficiency and attain water security in water-scarce regions and/or countries of the world, virtual water trade among nations and even continents could be utilised as a tool. The economy, diplomacy, and internal and international food security are all benefited by Lesotho’s water resources. One of Lesotho’s most precious resources, water, makes a significant contribution to the country’s prospects for long-term, sustainable economic development. In a setting with significant natural climatic volatility, the World Bank determined that improving water security will be crucial to meeting future demand. Water is widely considered as “white gold” in Lesotho. Water is abundant in Lesotho, a blessed nation. Given its plenty of water and low present water consumption, Lesotho is unlikely to develop either water stress or scarcity in the foreseeable future. Thus, there is still opportunity for expanding water use as a source of income, including virtual water trading. Lesotho needs to take into account the water and food shortages in the waterscarce Gulf region and the idea of virtual water trade, which has significant social, economic, and political advantages. The aim of this paper is to assert the importance of Lesotho’s abundant water resource to the global political and economic landscape, and the discourse of virtual water trade. While countries are minimising their direct or indirect water use of producing strategic agricultural and industrial goods, Lesotho can make use of this situation in order to maximise revenue.