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Stable acute food insecurity outcomes expected to continue across most of Lesotho

  • Key Message Update
  • Lesotho
  • September 2017
Stable acute food insecurity outcomes expected to continue across most of Lesotho

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  • Key Messages
  • Key Messages
    • In comparison to the same time last year, food availability and prices are much more stable, contributing to good food security conditions at the national level. The anticipated government subsidy or safety-net program is likely to have a delayed start this year, which may have an adverse impact on poor households from December onwards, when the lean season peaks. 

    • Currently, most households across Lesotho are experiencing Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food security outcomes. However, between October and January, a few areas are expected to become Stressed (IPC Phase 2). Households in these marginal planting areas typically produce less than households in the more productive parts of the country, and therefore begin to rely on market purchases for food for a longer period each consumption year. During the peak of the lean season pockets of some households in these areas may even experience Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes, however the size of this population will be less than 20 percent. 

    • Several international forecasts, as well as the Southern Africa Regional Climate Forum (SARCOF – 21), indicate that total seasonal rainfall during the October/November 2017 – March 2018 period is likely to be average to below average in southern parts of the region. Based on current signals, the start of the 2017/18 rainy season across unimodal southern Africa is likely to be normal. With the increased chances of a La Niña developing this season, the seasonal forecast for Lesotho could change in the coming months. For now, normal agricultural activities are expected in Lesotho and this will likely provide normal opportunities for agriculture labor. Currently, households are already beginning to intensify land preparation activities, which are providing income and in-kind food to very poor and poor households. 

    • Very poor and poor households are increasingly relying on market purchases as they gradually finish their own-produced stocks. Luckily, the market is adequately supplied and prices are still favorable because of the high domestic production and low demand right now. The recent Southern Africa Regional Supply Outlook (August 2017) projects that maize grain prices are expected to follow seasonal trends and be near average or below-average throughout the marketing year. 

    This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.

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