Lesotho’s Food Security Crisis: UN Allocates $2 Million for Humanitarian Response

A worsening food security crisis in Lesotho has prompted the United Nations to allocate $2 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support a joint humanitarian response. The crisis was triggered by a historic drought, which has led to the lowest crop yields since the 2018/19 agricultural season.

According to the Government of Lesotho, approximately 700,000 people, or about a third of the population, will face hunger in the coming months. In rural areas, more than 400,000 people are expected to experience crisis levels of acute hunger through March 2025. Additionally, 296,049 people in urban areas are expected to become food insecure.

Reena Ghelani, the Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for El Niño and La Niña, accompanied by Andrea Noyes, the Head of the Regional Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), recently visited Lesotho to assess the impact of the drought on vulnerable communities. Ghelani emphasized the need to support these communities and strengthen long-term resilience against climate shocks.

"We must support vulnerable communities affected by the drought in Lesotho," Ghelani said. "This US$2 million allocation will help scale up humanitarian assistance for those most in need, but we also need to strengthen long-term resilience to prevent future crises."

The UN is actively supporting the operationalization of the recently launched National El Niño Response Plan, which requires approximately $212.9 million, with outstanding funding needs of $112.8 million. The UN Resident Coordinator, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, emphasized the organization’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Lesotho and all partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

"We stand with the people of Lesotho in this time of need," Mukwashi said. "As demonstrated by the emergency allocation, the UN is committed to working closely with the Government of Lesotho and all partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response."

The UN’s humanitarian response aims to provide critical assistance to those affected by the drought, including food, water, and other essential services. The organization is working closely with Government officials, UN agencies, and civil society partners to ensure a coordinated response to the crisis.