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Country analysis

Lesotho


An estimated 403,000 people in Lesotho (27% of the population analysed) are expected to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity levels between October 2024 and March 2025. This figure includes 29,000 facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels. The key drivers include high food prices, prolonged dry spells, and reduced incomes. The most affected districts are Maseru, Mohales hoek, Qachas nek, and Quthing.

The El Niño phenomenon further disrupted food security and livelihoods, aggravating the food crisis during the rainy season from October 2023 to March 2024. Dry spells from January–March severely affected crops, resulting in substantial losses for poor households. Below-average harvests also led to increased dependence on markets, causing a significant rise in maize prices, which is a staple in the country.

Nearly half of Lesotho's population (49.7%) lives below the food poverty line, with poverty concentrated in rural areas, where 80% of the poor reside. Only 10% of the land is arable, affecting the agriculture sector, which supports 70% of livelihoods and contributes 17% to the GDP. Rising food prices are further straining household resources, leaving many unable to meet basic needs.

((WFP 02/04/2024, ECHO 22/07/2024, IPC 13/08/2024, IFRC 09/09/2024, SADC 05/06/2024)

An estimated 403,000 people in Lesotho (27% of the population analysed) are expected to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse food insecurity levels between October 2024 and March 2025. This figure includes 29,000 facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels. The key drivers include high food prices, prolonged dry spells, and reduced incomes. The most affected districts are Maseru, Mohales hoek, Qachas nek, and Quthing.

The El Niño phenomenon further disrupted food security and livelihoods, aggravating the food crisis during the rainy season from October 2023 to March 2024. Dry spells from January–March severely affected crops, resulting in substantial losses for poor households. Below-average harvests also led to increased dependence on markets, causing a significant rise in maize prices, which is a staple in the country.

Nearly half of Lesotho's population (49.7%) lives below the food poverty line, with poverty concentrated in rural areas, where 80% of the poor reside. Only 10% of the land is arable, affecting the agriculture sector, which supports 70% of livelihoods and contributes 17% to the GDP. Rising food prices are further straining household resources, leaving many unable to meet basic needs.

((WFP 02/04/2024, ECHO 22/07/2024, IPC 13/08/2024, IFRC 09/09/2024, SADC 05/06/2024)

Latest updates on country situation

19 August 2025

Between April–July 2025, Lesotho faced extreme winter with four cold waves and heavy snowfall. Mokhotlong reported four deaths and livestock losses exceeding 120 animals. Snow depths reached 27cm in Oxbow, worsening food insecurity, damaging housing, and disrupting transport. Urgent needs include WASH, food, and livestock support. (IFRC 13/08/2025, Govt. Lesotho accessed 19/08/2025)

current crises
in Lesotho


These crises have been identified through the INFORM Severity Index, a tool for measuring and comparing the severity of humanitarian crises globally.

Read more about the Index

LSO004 - Drought

Last updated 21/08/2025


Drivers

Drought/drier conditions

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

2.2 Medium

Access constraints

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