The European Union (EU) Allocates €150,000 to Activate Early Action Protocol in Response to Drought Forecasts in Lesotho

In response to forecasts of below-normal rainfall during the October–December 2026 period and increasing food security risks across Lesotho, the European Union (EU) is providing €150,000 in humanitarian aid funding to help vulnerable families prepare for the potential impacts of drought. The outlook is associated with a strong El Niño event expected to peak between late 2026 and early 2027, overlapping with Lesotho’s main planting and crop-growing season. The six-month project will run through March 2027, with anticipatory actions beginning ahead of the expected impacts of reduced rainfall. The EU funding will bolster the efforts of the Lesotho Red Cross Society to provide much-needed assistance to vulnerable families. The response will combine the dissemination of last-mile early warning messages through public gatherings, community structures, community radio stations and social media platforms with multipurpose cash assistance for vulnerable families in two priority districts. The districts were prioritised based on vulnerability, anticipated drought impacts, food insecurity and findings from relevant risk and needs assessments. Initial assessments conducted with partners will i