Lesotho

• Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are expected to persist across the Southern Lowlands, Senqu River Valley, and Mountain regions through January 2027. Food stocks are expected to deplete early by September 2026, increasing market reliance amid localized above-average staple food prices and declining remittances. Labor opportunities are expected to be below average due to an anticipated late start to the season, as El Niño conditions persist.
• Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes are expected to persist through January 2027 in the Northern Lowlands and Foothills, supported by an above-average harvest, available labor opportunities, and stable staple food prices, enabling most households to meet essential food and non-food needs.
• The maize harvest is nearing completion countrywide. In the surplus-producing Northern Lowlands and Foothills, the harvest is expected to be above average, supported by a favorable 2025/26 rainy season and above-average area planted. However, heavy and erratic rainfall in late April and early May caused waterlogging and widespread crop damage across the deficit-producing Senqu River Valley and Southern Lowlands, resulting in a below-average harvest.
• The spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) is expected to decline and be contained by January, supported by ongoing government interventions. Cash income from wool and mohair sales is expected to partially recover from October 2026.
• Food assistance needs in Lesotho are estimated to be between 100,000-249,000 people and are expected to peak between December and January, as the lean season begins. Needs are expected to gradually increase as food stocks deplete early in remote and deficit-producing areas as the lean season approaches.

The analysis in this report is based on information available as of June 25, 2026.