Country: Lesotho Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected to persist across the Southern Lowlands, Senqu River Valley, and Mountain regions through January 2027, with some poor households in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). The 2026 harvest is expected to be below average due to waterlogging in April and May which reduced harvest levels and delayed the completion of the harvest by one month, concluding in August, in the Southern Lowlands and the Senqu River Valley. Food stocks are anticipated to begin to deplete atypically early, by September. Households are expected to become increasingly reliant on markets for food, as purchasing power erodes starting in October, associated with declining income from labor, remittances, and local brew sales. In the Northern Lowlands and Foothills, Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes are expected through January 2027, supported by an average harvest and available agricultural and casual labor opportunities. Households are expected to have access to food stocks through November. As own-produced stocks seasonally deplete in December, households are expected to meet food needs through markets, aided by stable staple prices and normal levels of income. National maize production in 2026 is estimated to be well below both last year and the five-year average, following heavy rainfall in April and May resulting in waterlogging and damaged crops. This rainfall also delayed the harvest by one month, and it is now expected to be completed in August. Despite the below-average harvest, market shortages are not expected, supported by stable imports from South Africa and favorable maize prices. El Niño conditions are expected to drive a late and below-average start to the October 2026 to April 2027 rainy season, delaying land preparation and planting, constraining early crop establishment, and reducing agricultural labor opportunities for poor households. Area planted for key staple crops, from October through December, is expected to be below average due to the anticipated below-average start of season.
Lesotho: Food Security Outlook Update – Despite the below-average 2026 harvest, consistent imports support food access, August 2026 – January 2027
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