El Niño Drought Response

El Niño Crisis in Lesotho

Lesotho is facing one of its most severe droughts in recent history due to the El Niño phenomenon. On July 12, 2024, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Honorable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, declared a national disaster, with 700,000 Basotho facing severe hunger. The government's annual post-harvest vulnerability assessment revealed that the situation will likely worsen from October 2024 to March 2025.

Crisis Overview

700,000

Basotho Affected

This widespread food insecurity highlights the urgent need for large-scale humanitarian intervention to alleviate the suffering and prevent further deterioration of livelihoods.

36,649

Children at Risk

Malnutrition, disease, and lack of access to clean water and child protection services have made children especially susceptible to harm.

Oct 2024 – Mar 2025

Deterioration Expected

This projected deterioration emphasizes the critical need for immediate action to stabilize the situation and support affected populations

Mamonyane's Story: The Fight Against Drought

Mamonyane shares how this crisis has affected her livestock and the livelihood of her family.

World Vision Lesotho's Response

World Vision Lesotho has launched an urgent response to address the catastrophic effects of El Niño. Our efforts focus on the most critical sectors: Food Security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Protection, Health, and Nutrition. Collaborating closely with the Government of Lesotho and other humanitarian organizations, we have activated our Humanitarian Emergency Affairs to ensure coordinated and efficient aid delivery.