Food-aid dependency in Lesotho: Issues and policy implications

This article analyses food-aid dependency in Lesotho and how it can be reduced. The study uses primary data on food aid, statistics collected from various food-aid agencies and institutions, and secondary data obtained from government sources. Food-aid de pendency is likely to continue in the long term, as food aid enhances food security in Le sotho by supplementing commercial imports to meet the shortfall in local cereal produc tion. Food aid improves the nutritional and consumption levels of vulnerable Lesotho households but shows no correlation with producer and consumer prices. If the level of food-aid dependence is to be reduced, measures to alleviate poverty and generate income must be implemented.