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Latest food security analysis

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Key messages
Key Message Update July 2026 - January 2027 Maize imports expected to support food access despite below-average harvest Download report
  • Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected to persist across the Southern Lowlands, Senqu River Valley, and Mountain regions through January 2027. Household food stocks are expected to deplete atypically early by September, increasing market reliance. At the same time, localized above-average staple food prices, declining remittances, and below-average labor opportunities linked to an El Niño-related late start to the October 2026 to April 2027 rainy season are expected to constrain household purchasing power. In contrast, Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes are expected to persist in the Northern Lowlands and Foothills, where the average harvest, available labor opportunities, and stable staple food prices will likely enable most households to meet essential food and non-food needs. 
  • 2026 national maize production is expected to be below average countrywide, with average production in surplus-producing regions and losses of around 50 percent in the southern lowlands, Senqu River Valley, and the mountains. The maize harvest is ongoing countrywide and is expected to continue into August, later than the typical, as heavy rains in April and May caused waterlogging that constrained field access and delayed harvest activities. Total maize production is expected to be 30 percent below last year and nearly 50 percent below the five-year average. However, no supply shortages are anticipated, as consistent maize imports from South Africa are expected to offset domestic production deficits. 
  • The October 2026 to March 2027 rainy season is expected to start late and be well below average, given that the El Niño event will most likely persist through at least early 2027. Below-average rainfall is expected to result in declining soil moisture and rangeland conditions, constraining planting, crop development, and weakening livestock body conditions. As a result, households are expected to face reduced access to income, particularly those who rely on livestock as an important source of income.
  • Declines in harvest-related labor opportunities have been observed and are expected to continue, following heavy rainfall between April and May, which delayed maize harvesting and winter crop land preparation and planting, and by the anticipated delayed start to the 2026/27 season amid El Niño conditions. Labor migration opportunities in South Africa and associated remittances are also expected to decline throughout the projection period, driven by ongoing anti-migrant incidents and increasingly restrictive migration policies that limit employment access for Basotho migrants and prompt the return of migrant workers to Lesotho. The combination of reduced domestic agricultural labor and declining remittance income are expected to constrain household income throughout the projection period, particularly among poor households. 
  • The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, first detected in February 2026, spread to all districts, except Mafeteng and Quthing, before being largely contained following sufficient government interventions, with reported cases declining since May 2026. The outbreak disrupted livestock-related livelihoods and trade, particularly export sales of wool and mohair. However, the recent suspension of restrictions on wool and mohair export sales is expected to improve market access and restore income for households that rely on livestock products as a key income source. Income from these sales is expected to recover before October as outstanding payments are disbursed. 
  • Staple food prices remain stable across most markets in Lesotho at levels below last year but above the five-year average, and are expected to remain stable throughout the projection period. Despite a below-average harvest, stable prices are supported by carryover stocks and consistent supplies from South Africa, alongside increased consumption of own-produced food among farming households. Additionally, fuel prices declined in July 2026, with gas 93, gas 95, and diesel 50 decreasing by 8, 9, and 14 percent, respectively, compared to June. 
More analysis reports View all Lesotho food security analysis reports
Monthly reports
Food Security Outlook Lesotho June 2026 - January 2027
Key Message Update Lesotho May - September 2026
Key Message Update Lesotho April - September 2026
Alerts / special reports
Special Report Global June 23, 2025
Special Report Global May 1, 2025
Monthly reports
Food Security Outlook Lesotho June 2026 - January 2027
Key Message Update Lesotho May - September 2026
Key Message Update Lesotho April - September 2026
Alerts / special reports
Special Report Global June 23, 2025
Special Report Global May 1, 2025
Explore food security analysis data
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The FEWS NET Data Explorer hosts the widest range of FEWS NET data for download or extract via API. The Data Explorer requires a free user account for access.

FEWS NET–style food security map of East Africa showing crisis severity by color, with conflict icons and alerts across Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Acute Food Insecurity Area-Level Classifications

FEWS NET produces IPC-compatible area-level acute food insecurity classifications monthly for FEWS NET reporting countries. This data is available as spatial files, tabular files, and map images. It is a key output of FEWS NET integrated food security analysis and is reported in our Food Security Outlooks and Outlook Updates (FSO/U) and Key Message Updates (KMU).

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Map of East Africa with large colored circles over Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and South Sudan indicating comparative regional metrics; capitals labeled.
Acutely Food Insecure Population Estimates

These estimates reflect the total population estimated to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse acute food insecurity outcomes, including those who are receiving humanitarian food assistance and those who are not. This tabular data is a key output of FEWS NET integrated food security analysis and is reported in our FSOs, global Food Assistance Outlook Briefs (FAOB), and semi-annual global Peak Food Assistance Needs Outlook Briefs.

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Monthly Global Price Watch reports

This report provides a global outlook on anticipated severe weather events, including maps with current weather information, short and medium range weather forecasts (up to one week), and the potential impact on crop and pasture conditions.

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Price data

Price data is available for a large number of countries and products around the world. This data can be used to track the change in price of commodities, food staples, agricultural inputs, and other products over time and is a key input to FEWS NET food security analysis and Global Price Watch reports.

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Agroclimatology resources
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Access FEWS NET’s remote sensing data and analysis of weather conditions.

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Weekly Global Weather Hazards reports

This report provides a global outlook on anticipated severe weather events, including maps with current weather information, short and medium range weather forecasts (up to one week), and the potential impact on crop and pasture conditions.

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Seasonal Monitor reports

This report provides regional updates on weather events, rainfall patterns, and associated impacts on ground conditions (e.g., cropping conditions, water availability) during a given geography’s rainy season, along with a short-term rainfall forecast.

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Agroclimatology data

FEWS NET and its partners offer a range of online tools that share insights on rainfall, temperature, vegetation, soil moisture, and surface water conditions derived from remote sensing data collection and modeling.

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Livelihoods resources
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Access FEWS NET’s maps, reports, and data on local livelihood systems.

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Lesotho 2011 Livelihood Zones Map (.PNG)
Livelihood Zone maps

Zone Maps illustrate the country by zone, showing areas where people generally have the same options for obtaining food and income and engaging in trade.

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Seasonal Calendar
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These calendars illustrate the monthly availability of key food and income sources, plus the starts and ends to key rainy and lean seasons. They supplement livelihoods resources and are integral to FEWS NET’s food security analysis.

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Seasonal Calendar image showing harvest and rainy periods for Lesotho
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