Amid a growing food security crisis in Lesotho, Assistant Secretary-General and Climate Crisis Coordinator for El Niño and La Niña, Reena Ghelani, concluded a four-day mission to the country. Joined by Andrea Noyes, Head of the Regional Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and UN Resident Coordinator Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, Ms. Ghelani met with government officials, communities affected by the drought, and UN and civil society partners to discuss emergency needs and climate resilience.During their visit, Ms. Ghelani and Ms. Noyes announced that the acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator will release US$2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support a coordinated humanitarian response in Lesotho. The announcement comes in response to the severe drought conditions, which led the Government of Lesotho to declare a National Food Insecurity Disaster on 12 July 2024.The drought, worsened by El Niño conditions, has resulted in the lowest crop yields since the 2018/19 season. Government assessments reveal that about a third of Lesotho's population—approximately 700,000 people—will face hunger in the coming months. Crisis levels of acute hunger are anticipated for over 400,000 people in rural areas through March 2025, while nearly 300,000 people in urban areas are projected to become food insecure. Additionally, water shortages have become critical, with many wells drying up cross the country.“We must support vulnerable communities affected by the drought in Lesotho,” said Reena Ghelani. “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.”Ms. Ghelani and Ms. Noyes discussed with government officials and partners on addressing immediate needs and strategies for long-term resilience against climate shocks. They visited the drought-affected regions of Qacha’s Nek and Mafeteng, where they met farmers facing crop failures and families struggling to feed their children.“The situation is difficult,” Ms. Noyes remarked. “We met farmers whose crops have failed, and distressed mothers who shared their struggles to find enough food for their children. This CERF allocation will be critical in helping people access sufficient food and essential services. The time for action is now. OCHA is committed to supporting the UN and partners in Lesotho to strengthen coordination and scale up the response to complement government efforts.”UN Resident Coordinator Amanda Khozi Mukwashi reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Lesotho. “We stand with the people of Lesotho in this time of need,” she said. “The emergency allocation underscores the UN’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Lesotho and all partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response.”The UN in Lesotho is actively working to implement the recently launched National El Niño Response Plan, which requires an estimated $212.9 million. However, $112.8 million is still needed to fully meet the demands of the current crisis. This plan emphasizes immediate relief and long-term resilience to reduce the impact of recurring climate shocks.With the support of the CERF allocation and ongoing partnerships, the UN and Lesotho are taking critical steps toward a coordinated response to the current crisis while strengthening resilience for the future.

Lesotho, grappling with a severe food insecurity crisis exacerbated by prolonged drought and El Niño impacts, had more than 699,000 Basotho facing food insecurity by early July 2024. In response, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane declared a state of food disaster on 12 July 2024.A high-level delegation from three United Nations agencies: FAO, WFP and IFAD visited Lesotho from 4th to 6th August 2024 to address this urgent situation. The visit aimed to bolster agricultural investment and support efforts to improve food and nutrition security in the country.Invited by His Majesty King Letsie III, who serves as the FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for Nutrition, the delegation included FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Programme and Policy Development Valerie Guarnieri, and IFAD Associate Vice-President for Programme Management Donald Brown. This visit underscored the UN’s commitment to tackling Lesotho’s pressing food insecurity issues.Lesotho has faced significant challenges in achieving self-sufficiency in food production, particularly in cereals, meat, and vegetables. Even in favourable years, the country heavily relied on food imports, primarily from South Africa. The ongoing drought, poor rainfall, and rising global food prices had further deteriorated the situation, increasing vulnerability and unemployment.Despite these challenges, Lesotho possesses substantial potential for expanding its horticulture, livestock, and dairy industries, with opportunities in trout farming and growing fruits and vegetables. However, only a small fraction of arable land was actively farmed, and even less was under irrigation.The agriculture sector, which employs around 38% of the population, is essential for poverty alleviation and rural development. There is a pressing need for investments in sustainable farming practices and green technologies to enhance resilience in Lesotho’s agricultural sector.The National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II) has recognized the importance of improving nutrition through enhanced agricultural production and resilience. It stresses the interdependence of agriculture and ecosystem health, aiming to reverse environmental degradation and adapt to climate change.During their visit, the UN delegation engaged in field visits, stakeholder meetings, and discussions with government officials, private sector representatives, women and youth groups, and people with disabilities. Key activities included:Sunday, 4th August: A joint field visit to Leribe Mahobong, attended by His Majesty King Letsie III and the Prime Minister. Monday, 5th August: A stakeholder meeting in Maseru, where representatives from FAO, WFP, IFAD, civil society, and beneficiaries discussed the state of food systems. Agriculture Market Day: An event showcasing local agricultural produce and innovations in Masianokeng, Maseru. Tuesday, 6th August: A high-level dialogue on food systems at Maseru Avani, followed by a press conference. During the High-Level Dialogue on Food Systems, His Majesty King Letsie III underscored the critical need to expand agricultural finance in Lesotho, stating, "The cost of agriculture transformation is enormous; thus, access to finance is a catalyst for growth and it must be addressed urgently."King Letsie III highlighted the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, noting that financial institutions often minimized their exposure to agriculture due to perceived high-risk considerations. "It is our belief and hope that beyond this gathering, issues regarding access to finance in the agriculture space will be addressed," he said.He remarked that while there were significant impediments to the growth of a high-value agro-food system in Lesotho, finance remained a crucial catalyst for transformation. "To realize advancements in the agro-food value chain, it is essential to have innovative instruments designed by the private sector to mobilize additional resources, address market failures, and remove barriers," he added.The dialogue occurred against the backdrop of a severe food insecurity crisis in Lesotho. "An alarming 700,000 Basotho—nearly one-third of the country’s population—faced severe food insecurity, a sharp increase from 582,000 last year. The resources required to meet this crisis surged from M1 billion in March 2023 to M3 billion last year and M3 billion this year," King Letsie III noted.In her address, Delekazi Mokebe, CEO of First National Bank Lesotho and spokesperson for the Bankers Association of Lesotho (BAL), addressed concerns about banks providing credit to farmers. She explained, “The question in the room is, ‘Do banks provide credit to farmers?’ And the answer is yes, of course they do.”FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu stressed the importance of coordination and timely delivery during the visit. "The first step was to build strength, followed by finding innovative solutions and then swiftly taking action," he advised. He also outlined the three components of food security: food availability, food accessibility, and food affordability, noting their varying levels of challenges worldwide.Dr. Qu commended His Majesty for designating August as "Food Month" in Lesotho, reflecting the government’s prioritization of food security. He emphasized the critical need for agrifood systems transformation to achieve food security and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating, “We all need to work together as one big team.”The visit represented a significant effort to strengthen cooperation between the government, the UN, and local and international partners to achieve food and nutrition security in Lesotho and ensure that future investments in the agricultural sector are impactful and sustainable. 

In the heart of Thaba Tseka, nestled beneath the expansive African sky, lies Ha Soai village. On a crisp morning of March 20, 2024, a team comprising UNICEF and World Vision embarked on a poignant journey, eager to witness firsthand the transformative impact of their collaborative project. Their destination held promise: Ha Soai, where the spirit of community thrives despite challenges.Tales of change and progress unfolded as the team gathered with Chief Soai and 27 villagers. Through the The Ntlafatsa Bana Programme efforts, essential social services reached their doorstep, sparking empowerment and fostering a sense of belonging. Among the remarkable outcomes was the establishment of two nutrition clubs within the village, symbolizing newfound resilience.For ‘Mamolotsi Soai, a dedicated mother and active Ha Soai Nutrition Club member, the project has been a lifeline amid hardship. Balancing her husband's and three children's needs against the backdrop of drought and scarce resources is a daily struggle. Yet, within the solidarity of her community lies solace and strength.Through the nutrition club, Mmamolotsi has gained invaluable knowledge of homestead gardening, water conservation, and child protection. These skills sustain her family with diverse vegetables and cultivate resilience in adversity. As she tends to her modest garden, Mmamolotsi reflects on the profound impact of the project on her life and those around her.The nutrition club, offering services from immunization to cooking demonstrations, has become a lifeline for Ha Soai, illuminating a path towards a brighter future. In the face of the El Nino crisis of 2023-2024 and dwindling water sources, their resilience shines as a testament to Lesotho's communities' determination and strength.The Ntlafatsa Bana Programme, a UNICEF and EU co-funded initiative, seeks to enhance the well-being and development of children under five in beneficiary homes of the Child Grant Programme. Building on previous phases, this iteration aims to bridge the Child Grants Program with essential services, nurturing a brighter tomorrow for future generations.

From the 15th to the 17th of April 2024, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, marked her first visit to Lesotho since the start of her appointment in 2019. This visit coincided with her attendance at the 43rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child held in Maseru. Dr. M’jid's schedule was packed with not only her participation in the conference but also several important bilateral meetings aimed at addressing critical issues facing children in Lesotho.A Series of High-Profile MeetingsDr. M’jid’s engagements in Lesotho brought her face-to-face with a number of the nation’s most influential figures. Among them were Her Majesty, Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, Dr. Ntoi Rapapa the Minister of Education, and Mpotjoane Lejone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The United Nations Country Team in Lesotho, representatives from civil society organizations, and Dr. Mahlape Morai, the Acting  Commissioner of Police, also held discussions with Dr. M’jid.The objective of these meetings was multifold: to raise awareness about the plight of children in Lesotho, to assess the progress and challenges in safeguarding children's rights, and to catalyze action across all sectors of society.Dr. M’jid commended Lesotho for its investments in education, acknowledging the steps the country has taken towards improving the lives of its youngest citizens. However, she also pointed out that despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Issues such as child labor, child marriage, and violence against children persist. The discussions revealed a pressing need for the acceleration of laws and policies aimed at protecting children. Dr. M’jid emphasized, “In my engagements with the various stakeholders who work on children’s issues in Lesotho, I can say that there is progress, however, there are still many challenges. We need to work to ensure sustainable access for all children.”Recognizing the complexities of the issues at hand, Dr. M’jid advocated for practical, sustainable solutions. She highlighted the essential role of establishing a human rights commission aligned with the Paris Principles to guarantee the rights' enjoyment for everyone, particularly children. She pointed out the imperative of incorporating children in decision-making, financial, and development strategies that prioritize the safeguarding of children's rights as a foundation for their genuine rights enjoyment and protection. According to Dr. M’jid, children are not just beneficiaries but are part of the solution to the challenges they face such as violence and the negative influence of gang culture.Moving Forward: A Unified ApproachThe visit by Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid to Lesotho represents a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing efforts to protect and promote the rights of children. It highlights the international community's commitment to supporting Lesotho in its endeavors but also underlines the intrinsic challenges that remain.The government of Lesotho and stakeholders are now faced with the task of translating the discussions and recommendations from these meetings into tangible actions. This entails not only speeding up the implementation of protective laws and policies but also fostering an environment where children's voices are heard and considered in the formulation of those policies.Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid's visit to Lesotho serves as a catalyst for change, offering a unique opportunity to reinvigorate efforts to protect the country's most vulnerable population. By commending the progress already made and highlighting the areas that need further attention, Dr. M’jid has advocated for collective action. The ultimate goal is clear: to ensure that every child in Lesotho can grow up in a safe, supportive environment that nurtures their development and upholds their rights. As Lesotho moves forward, the hope is that this visit will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country's commitment to its children, one characterized by renewed vision and collaborative effort towards lasting change.