Disaster Management Authority (DMA) says Lesotho experienced drought in the 2018/2019 agricultural season, impacting the current food security situation.

In a statement DMA says in March this year it collaborated with its partners to conduct a rapid assessment of the situation that is affecting Basotho across the nation.

DMA says the preliminary results of the Lesotho Vulnerability Committee (LVAC 2019) released earlier this month, show that the late onset of rainfall resulted in the agricultural season starting later than normal.

Reports also say the rainfall received in all districts was below average from September to November 2018, which is the normal period for planting most crops.

The DMA rapid assessment results concluded that over 400 000 people in Lesotho are currently considered to be food insecure, especially people living in the rural areas.

Reports further indicate that the Government of Lesotho is already working with local and international partners, to address the needs of all the people affected and mitigate the impacts across the country.