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ANTICIPATORY ACTION FOR COLD WAVES INTRODUCED
With the support of The International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC), Lesotho Red Cross Society is implementing a five-years (October 2024-Ocober 2029) Anticipatory Action for cold waves in Maseru, Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek Butha-Buthe, Quthing and Thaba-Tseka.
On Thursday the 06th March 2025, LRCS held an induction workshop to stakeholders; targeting Lesotho Metrological Services (LMS), Disaster Management Authority (DMA), Social Development, Forestry, Agriculture and Local Government at Maseru.
The AA project aims at addressing challenges posed by severe cold events occurring outside the expected winter season and can have detrimental effects on human lives and livelihoods. LRCS aims to address the critical impacts of severe cold, including supporting the provision of early warning messaging targeting public transport taxi associations, herders and community at large.
Provision of unconditional cash to support to families with school aged children and with very low income, who also suffer disproportionately in extreme cold weather due to lack of appropriate school shoes and clothing often resulting in children skipping school and contracting cold induced illness. This intervention will also provide 500 most vulnerable herders who are selected through community targeting and farmers association groups with winter clothing packs.
MONITORING FOR EMERGENCY APPEAL PROJECT
Following the state of emergency that was announced by Lesotho’s Prime Minister as a result of severe heatwaves, the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) implemented the Emergency Appeal project in five Southern districts (Maseru, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Quthing and Qacha’s Nek with the aim of assisting 2500 households whose livelihoods are severely affected by drought.
The project provided the beneficiaries with unrestricted cash transfers of M1500 for 3 months per household, homestead gardening seeds (Rape, beetroot, carrots and spinach), field crops seeds (beans and maize), fruit trees (apple and peaches) among others.
Following the distributions, LRCS with the support of the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) conducted a monitoring visit from the 28th to 30th January 2025 at Maseru, Mafeteng and Quthing with the purpose of tracking and provision of technical support and recommendations going forward.
It was revealed that the beneficiaries did not only use the funds for groceries, they also started some income generating activities such as small business so as to have sustainable income. “I planted the vegetables and I am able to feed my family and sell some to the community,” Mrs Molise. She further indicated that the source of capital was mainly from the second cash transfer received. As she concluded she also stated that she is now able to take her children to school and they no longer go on an empty stomach.
On behalf of the district project managers / Divisional Secretaries Ms. ‘Mabulara Motlomelo emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation “We are working hand in hand with other stakeholders in ensuring that the project is successful. We would have not been this far if we were not working together for the betterment of the communities we serve.”
The project manager Ms. Sebongile Hlubi said the main aim of the project was to respond to the state of emergency of food insecurity by improving household food insecurity caused by drought.
“I see ourselves as LRCS together with our partners trying to contribute to various aspects. Talking of food security, we have managed to capacitate beneficiaries with climate smart agricultural practices such as trench, keyhole gardening, banana plots among others, which is already benefiting beneficiaries”. Said Ms. Hlubi.
She further indicated that seeds were distributed to 2500 households although they were delayed. She concluded by indicating that the project is doing very well and hopes throughout the implementation, the implementers will be at a stage to say they really achieved the objective.
Lesotho, Africa | Drought – Emergency Appeal № MDRLS008
Lesotho is grappling with a severe food security crisis, made worse by El Niño weather pattern, which is disrupting the critical 2024/25 summer planting and rainy season. Persistent crop failures, dwindling food production, water shortages, and skyrocketing food prices have severely hit the country’s agricultural production with 41% of rural households now forced to spend more than half of their income just to put food on the table.
In 2022 and 2023, back-to-back La Niña events brought heavy rains that badly damaged crops and reduced harvests in Lesotho. The food insecurity crisis was further exacerbated during the 2023/2024 rainfall season, as the El Niño phenomenon further disrupted people’s lives, livelihoods, and investments. This weather pattern shift had ripple effects across many areas, intensifying challenges across various sectors and deepening the socio-economic impact for communities.
Although Lesotho planted more crops during the 2023/24 season compared to previous years, the country still saw below-average harvests, leading to an increased reliance on markets and a subsequent rise in maize prices (a staple food). Dry spells from January to March severely affected a range of crops, especially maize, resulting in substantial losses for poor and very poor households. Driving home the severity of the crisis, the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) projected that a staggering 325,000 people (22% of the rural population) would be in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). As a result, families began purchasing food from local markets earlier than usual, leading to rising food prices and making it even harder for poorer households to make ends meet.
In response, the Government of Lesotho, through the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (LVAC), carried out an early assessment to get a clearer picture of the current food situation. The findings revealed that Lesotho is facing severe food shortages, with the crisis expected to worsen as El Niño impacts the critical October 2024 to March 2025 period. This extreme weather event hit during the crucial 2024/25 summer planting and rainy season, severely impacting farming. The country experienced widespread crop failures, reduced production, rising concerns over safety and protection, water shortages, and soaring food prices. The impact was particularly severe in several regions, including the Southern Lowlands, Foothills, Mountains, and the Senqu River Valley.
According to the 2024/25 LVAC report, as of June 2024, half of Lesotho’s ten districts were in crisis (IPC Phase 3) for food security, while the other five were classified as stressed (IPC Phase 2). The entire country is expected to reach crisis level (IPC Phase 3) by October 2024, highlighting the urgent need for action to save lives and protect livelihoods. According to the latest reports, an estimated 699,049 individuals in both urban and rural areas are facing food insecurity, highlighting the widespread food needs across Lesotho.
The Government of Lesotho took action by declaring a state of emergency and appealed to local and international development partners for immediate assistance. In response, a National Drought Response Plan was issued in July 2024, which identified both short-term and long-term humanitarian requirements to alleviate the effects of the drought. The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) has been on the front lines, working to ensure effective aid distribution and strengthen community resilience.