What You Need to Know
Lesotho is identified as one of 41 countries facing severe food insecurity, according to the FAO. The situation is exacerbated by high food prices, reduced agricultural production, and adverse climatic conditions. With projections indicating that up to 700,000 people may face acute food insecurity by 2026, urgent external assistance is required to address these challenges.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. Lesotho is reported to be among the 41 countries globally facing severe food insecurity by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
According to the Crop Prospects and Food Situation Report (March 2026), the 41 countries require external assistance for food, of which 31 are in Africa, eight in Asia, one in Latin America and the Caribbean and one in Europe.
The 31 countries in Africa which are found to be in dire straits encompassing adverse climatic conditions, geo-political hindrances, conflicts and wars include Lesotho, Burundi, Chad, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Eswatini, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The report indicates that conflict and insecurity remain the primary drivers of severe acute food insecurity, with weather-related shocks further exacerbating conditions in several regions.
It also highlights that high food prices and reduced agricultural production have further limited access to food in Lesotho, Eswatini, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Earlier, the 32nd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARFOC-32) had released a seasonal forecast showing that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region was likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for most of the February to June 2026 period except for the entire western coastal areas and north eastern parts of the region.
It further indicated that the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is projected to transit from a weak La Nina to neutral conditions during the upcoming season. It added that another drover affecting the SADC’s regional climate is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) which is currently in a negative phase and is forecasted to transition into a neutral phase during the outlook period.
Meanwhile the 2025 Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment (LVAC) highlights escalating food insecurity driven by climate change, with approximately 334,000 to nearly 700,000 people projected to face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher) across 2024–2026, driven by high food prices, low agricultural output and poverty.
Lesotho has faced ongoing challenges related to food security, particularly due to its vulnerability to climate change and economic instability. The country relies heavily on agriculture, which is often affected by adverse weather conditions and fluctuating market prices. Recent reports indicate that the combination of conflict, economic factors, and climate-related shocks has significantly impacted food availability and access for many households in Lesotho, necessitating urgent intervention and support.
