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)
