Lesotho Food Security Update: Challenges Persist Amid Weather Improvements
Lesotho’s food security is under pressure due to a combination of drought effects on cereal production, increased import requirements, and high food prices. Weather forecasts for early 2025 suggest potential improvements in crop conditions. However, a significant portion of the population faces acute food insecurity, largely because of the poor 2024 harvest and ongoing economic challenges.
Following dry conditions in December 2024, weather forecasts for February through May indicate a possible improvement for 2025 crop yields. While rainfall during the cropping season from October 2024 to January 2025 was generally below average, northern districts showed near-normal conditions, paving the way for average yield prospects again. Improved conditions could benefit the 2025 cereal crops notably if predictions of above-average rainfall are realized.
The 2024 maize harvest suffered significantly due to an El Niño-induced drought, estimated to be 60 percent below the average due to yield losses. Consequently, maize imports for the 2024/25 marketing year are expected to rise considerably, with December 2024 import rates showing a 30 percent increase compared to the previous year. Lesotho remains a net cereal importer, even in years of abundant harvests.
While the annual inflation rate decreased to 3.7 percent in December 2024, food prices, particularly for staple items, remain high. Food inflation was reported at 5.6 percent, approximately half of the previous year’s level. Yet, prices for maize meal rose by 9.3 percent year-on-year, largely owing to high wholesale prices from South Africa, the primary trading partner.
The impact of the drought has exacerbated food insecurity, with about 335,000 individuals, or 22 percent of the population, categorized at IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) and above levels of acute food insecurity as of February 2025. It is anticipated that this crisis will continue until the main harvest in March 2025, indicating a worsening situation compared to 2024, driven by poor harvests, high prices, and reduced income opportunities.
In summary, Lesotho is experiencing a challenging food security situation exacerbated by drought conditions that severely impacted cereal production in 2024. While weather forecasts for upcoming months are promising, the country faces rising import needs and persistent high food prices, particularly in staples like maize meal. The number of people facing acute food insecurity has increased, highlighting the urgent need for interventions as the main harvest approaches.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
