Economic
Originally when the Basotho nation was first formed, the people relied heavily on the market and trade of animals, with the principal source of wealth being livestock. However the land is known for severe droughts and many animals perish due to this. The soil is also severely eroded and exhausted therefore vegetation is also scarce. This is an example of regional phenomenon, which is people who are where they are because of where they live (Regional Phenomenon Rose House Lecture 1/5)
In Things Fall Apart the primary source of wealth was yams and cowries. This is similar to the Basotho because of the vegetation economics; however the Basotho have also integrated the use of animals as pay and a sign of wealth.
During their interaction with the British government, the British never really had that much of an influence on the economy of the Basotho. They were not introduced to their currency and really had no use of it since no other African tribes possessed it.
Currently, the use of animals and vegetation is the main source of income, yet this is limited due to the damaged soil and drought killing the livestock. There is also a major diamond mine still in existence in the mountains, but rarely do the tribal peoples get any hold of this money. Lesotho's economy is fragile, even with the benefits it derives from South Africa which include a partially shared customs union, a single currency (the South African rand is used interchangeably with the Lesotho loti), and an integrated communications system. A major sustaining factor in the country's economy is employment found in South African mines, farms, and industries.
(Evidence of PERSIA Rose House)
