Purchasing Power
Late rains led to less areas being planted, resulting in reduced opportunities for farm labour incomes on which 40% of the poor households depend for their livelihoods. The current estimate of 29,000 tonnes represents less than 10% of the country’s gross domestic requirements – a third of the usual value. South Africa, the major supplier of Lesotho’s imports, has also been affected and prices are increasing in both countries. In August, maize meal was already costing 27% more than a year earlier. This trend is likely to continue since fuel prices also increased substantially: in this mountainous, landlocked country, transportation costs have a direct impact on imported food prices.
October 2012
Food Security