ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a methodology for deriving a description of the life support systems of communities. It discusses general methods of channel mapping, the Lesotho case, and generalization to other life support systems and other communities. The chapter presents Lesotho as a case study of the application of this methodology. It deals with a general description of the nation of Lesotho and also discusses nutrition history in Lesotho and the background of the project. The chapter explores the motivation and methods for adapting this channel mapping methodology to other communities and other life support systems. The intention of food channel mapping is to investigate and provide a complete description of the food system, from production through processing and distribution to consumption. Consumer surveys seek to delineate the consumers' interaction with the commercial channel and also his dependence on traditional agriculture as a source of food.
