Common Country Analysis- 2024 Update

The 2024 CCA update for Lesotho serves as the UN system’s independent review of the country's changing social and economic landscape since the 2022. The analysis highlights the challenges and opportunities Lesotho faces in achieving sustainable development, emphasizing the principles of leaving no one behind, human rights, gender equality, peace, security, and humanitarian perspectives, all in alignment with the 2030 Agenda.

This 2024 CCA update takes into  account the global and regional developments from 2022/23 to 2023/24, which have influenced Lesotho's development. Key factors include  disruptions in global supply chains, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate-related disasters such as the El Nino induced drought. The Government estimates that around one-third of the population, or 700,000 people, will face hunger and  over 400,000 rural residents are expected to experience crisis levels of hunger through March 2025. Vulnerability assessments indicate an additional 296,049 people in urban areas will become food insecure. The drought has also caused severe water shortages, with wells drying up. 

The socioeconomic impact of these events has been profound, affecting society at all levels. The UN and its partners must adopt new, innovative approaches to better understand these evolving problems and provide sustainable, inclusive solutions. In recent years, global UN summits have addressed these changes, but additional analysis is necessary at the country level to implement resolutions effectively. This 2024 CCA update has been adapted to reflect the contextual nuances of Lesotho, offering insights and alternative development pathways for the UN system, the government, development partners, and other stakeholders.