Country: Lesotho Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages The harvest, which began in April continuing through August, is expected to be above average, driving seasonal improvements in food availability, agricultural labor, and income-earning opportunities through September. Despite rising fuel costs related to developments in the Middle East, staple food prices remain broadly stable due to stable import flows and an above-average harvest. Favorable rainfall is leading to above-average land preparation for winter crops, particularly in the lowlands and foothills, increasing access to agricultural labor. As a result, households will be able to access sufficient food to meet their food consumption needs. The October 2025 to March 2026 rainy season was largely average to above average. Rainfall has been above average in crop-producing western and northwestern regions, while slightly below average in deficit-producing areas in northern, eastern, and southern regions. In April, average to above-average rainfall persisted, supporting the start of land preparation and planting for winter wheat. Crops from the main harvest reached maturity across most of the country in April under favorable conditions, with southern and southeastern areas approaching maturity with the harvest underway. Additionally, total area planted is above average following a favorable rainy season. As a result, the harvest is expected to be above-average, which will likely improve household access to food through September. The government of Lesotho declared a state of emergency on March 27 in response to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the highlands of Qacha’s Nek and Butha-Buthe districts, implementing measures such as quarantining affected areas, banning livestock movement without veterinary approval, and culling livestock. However, despite these measures, the number of official cases of foot-and-mouth disease has increased from 66 in March to 167 as of April 18, 2026. Additional cases were reported in the mountain districts of Mokhotlong and Leribe. Currently, impacts on household income remain minimal, as livestock mortality remains low and veterinary interventions are limiting the outbreak. However, as a highly contagious disease, further spread or increased livestock mortality would likely reduce household income through the loss of productive assets, reducing the sale of wool and mohair. Since February, fuel and diesel prices have increased by 30 and 62 percent, respectively, linked to the indirect effects of the regional escalation in the Middle East. However, government fuel subsidies are preventing further increases in fuel prices. At the same time, stable import flows of maize meal and other staple commodities from South Africa, alongside carryover stocks from the previous marketing year, are helping maintain market supply. As a result, staple food prices currently remain stable, and while localized price increases are occurring in remote areas due to higher transportation costs, prices are expected to remain broadly stable. Starting in April, agricultural labor opportunities are likely improving household access to income, as early harvests of maize have begun, while harvesting of other crops, such as beans, is ongoing. Land preparation for winter wheat is underway, providing households with additional income-earning opportunities through August. Labor migration to South Africa is also continuing at normal levels, providing a key source of income through remittances. As a result, improved income access, alongside stable staple food prices, is expected to support household purchasing power and food access.
Lesotho Key Message Update April – September 2026: Favorable start of harvest likely improving food consumption
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