Mathatisi Sebusi
THE government has been urged to subsidise basic food prices to counter the food crisis currently paralysing the nation.
At least 335,000 Basotho are currently facing dire food shortages, a significant reduction from the 403,000 people who were starving in May 2024 but still a worrying figure.
This according to the IPC Acute Food Insecurity Analysis 2025 report released last week.
The report attributes the decline in the numbers of Basotho facing food insecurity to humanitarian assistance, including cash and food donations provided by the government, humanitarian organizations, and United Nations agencies. These efforts have significantly reduced food gaps, resulting in better food security outlook compared to last year’s assessment.
However, despite this progress, Basotho continue to struggle to produce enough food to address the country’s food insecurity situation. Many households remain reliant on aid from humanitarian organizations, government programs, and development partners.
“The projection analysis conducted in November 2024 shows an improved food security situation compared to the May 2024 assessment,” the report stated.
“This improvement is largely due to ongoing humanitarian assistance, such as cash and food transfers, which have significantly helped reduce food gaps.”
The report anticipates further improvements in food security for rural communities between January and March 2025.
“Approximately 335,000 people (22 percent of the rural population) are expected to be in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) during this period, compared to 403,000 people in the May 2024 analysis. However, all 10 districts remain classified under IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).
“The analysis predicts that between January and March 2025, heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and reduced income sources will pose challenges. Factors such as restrictions on livestock movement across the border to South Africa and increased market competition for livestock sales are expected to reduce household income.
“Additionally, persistent high prices for food, fuel, and electricity continue to erode purchasing power. Reduced humanitarian assistance as the season progresses may further exacerbate food insecurity.”
Households with limited financial resources are finding it increasingly difficult to afford sufficient food to meet their dietary needs. High food prices and the rising costs of essential services like electricity and fuel have negatively affected food access and preparation.
“The extremely high temperatures are reducing soil moisture content and are likely to delay the germination of planted seeds, which may negatively affect agricultural labour opportunities and production quality,” the report noted.
It added that maize production in 2024 was lower than in 2023, further decreasing food availability at the national level. Food availability has been supplemented by market supplies and humanitarian assistance.
The analysis also pointed out that Lesotho’s dependency on South Africa for key commodities leaves the country vulnerable to external economic conditions. The election year in South Africa had a ripple effect on Lesotho’s economy, contributing to reduced job opportunities and household income. Unemployment remains a critical issue, with the country’s unemployment rate standing at 22.5 percent, according to the Lesotho Labour Force Survey 2019.
The report recommends the continuation and expansion of both conditional and unconditional humanitarian assistance to support households facing food insecurity. It also proposes several measures to improve food security in the long term.
“One suggestion is for the government to subsidize food in order to reduce consumption gaps and improve access to food.”
Additionally, the report calls for the full operationalization of the National Strategic Resilience Framework, which would help households diversify their livelihoods and better withstand future shocks. There is also an emphasis on enhancing nutrition education, with a focus on proper feeding practices, exclusive breastfeeding, and adherence to recommended breastfeeding durations.
The report underscores the need for concerted efforts by the government, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to ensure that Basotho are better equipped to handle future challenges and achieve sustainable food security.