The Global Overview collates information from a range of sources and displays it in a manner that allows for quick comparison of different humanitarian crises.

The Global Overview collates information from a range of sources and displays it in a manner that allows for quick comparison of different humanitarian crises.

The Global Overview collates information from a range of sources and displays it in a manner that allows for quick comparison of different humanitarian crises.

In Somalia, needs will be highest among IDPs and the pastoral destitute when the lean season approaches in October.

End of lean season ushers in minimal food insecurity outcomes throughout the region

KEY MESSAGES

• Food insecurity outcomes are Minimal (IPC Phase 1) over most parts of the region and are expected to remain so through June. Targeted humanitarian assistance is meeting household needs in food insecure areas of Zimbabwe, southern Malawi, southern Mozambique, and Lesotho.

Dry spell continues, compromising yields in several countries

KEY MESSAGES

• A prolonged dry spell in the southern half of the region has continued for over 2 months in some areas, resulting in crop yield reductions and dampened harvest expectations.

• Though prospects remain good in some parts of the region, factors that have compromised expected harvests in other areas include an erratic onset of rains, armyworm outbreaks, input distribution challenges, along with flooding and waterlogging.

By John Sparrow in Lesotho

Ask Red Cross volunteer Malikhang Matsoakeletse what troubles Lesotho’s foothill villages and she will take you to her clients: the hungry and lonely elderly, the struggling mothers, the orphaned children, those with HIV, and the impoverished grandparents caring for their children’s children.

On the morning we met her, Malikhang’s rounds took us to the home of Mafilipi Nthaha, 56, who cares for her nine-year-old grandson, a bright boy who wants to be a footballer. Who knows, perhaps he will, but tonight he will probably go to bed hungry.

Michelle Carter, Country Director of CARE South Africa/Lesotho talks about the current food crisis in the small kingdom of Lesotho

The small kingdom of Lesotho is experiencing a severe food crisis for many months. But first of all: where is Lesotho located?

Most people do not know where Lesotho is. Lesotho is called the Mountainous Kingdom and is surrounded by South Africa. It is known for diamonds, skiing (yes, skiing in Africa!) fantastic pointy hats and the wool blankets that people wear.

The onset of rains in Lesotho was three to four dekads late in most of the country, and as of early January, the area planted was 40 per cent below the five-year average.