Lesotho — humanitarian situation

Lesotho's food security situation has shown marked improvement following a favorable rainy season and ongoing harvest. The harvest, which began in April and continues through August 2026, is expected to be average to above-average, driving seasonal improvements in food availability, agricultural labor opportunities, and household income through September (FEWS NET). Staple food prices remain broadly stable despite rising fuel costs linked to developments in the Middle East, supported by consistent import flows and domestic production gains (FEWS NET). Above-average land preparation for winter crops, particularly in lowland and foothill areas, indicates households will be able to meet food consumption needs in the coming months (FEWS NET). However, funding constraints are undermining critical assistance programs. WFP has been forced to provide an incomplete food basket to school feeding beneficiaries due to resource shortfalls, requiring USD 5.7 million from July 2026 to June 2027 to deliver full support to schools (WFP). WFP continues to provide technical assistance to the Government of Lesotho to strengthen national food security systems and program implementation capacity (WFP). The Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment data collection is currently underway to inform future response planning (WFP). Protection concerns persist, with trafficking in persons remaining a priority issue. IOM, in collaboration with the Multisectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons, is supporting coordination meetings across districts to strengthen the national response through engagement with government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations (IOM). Additionally, Lesotho Red Cross Society is implementing a Cold Waves Early Action Protocol with CHF 550,000 from the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund, allocating CHF 259,600 for stock prepositioning and annual preparedness activities to mitigate the impact of seasonal cold waves on vulnerable populations (IFRC).