Assessment of spatial-temporal occurrence of agricultural drought from satellites and meteorological data in South Phuthiatsana catchment, Lesotho

Lesotho has been battling with food insecurity in the recent past years. This has been associated with a series of crop failures occurrences that the country has put a country in difficulty. The South Phuthiatsana catchment Lesotho, where this study is carried out, is no exception, and has been documented to have undergone severe drought situation in the recent past. This study has attempted to assess the spatial-temporal occurrence of agricultural drought in South Phuthiatsana catchment Lesotho, using ground based and remotely sensed indices. Standardized precipitation index (SPI), moisture stress index (MSI) and vegetation health indices (VIII) were used in the assessment. This is done in order to attain sustainable management in water for food security. The results from the SPI and VIII analysis indicate the western part of the catchment being affected/prone more than Eastern part of the catchment. Contrary conclusions are drawn from the SMI analysis that indicates the western part as the most affected. This contrary result is due to topography, the eastern part of the catchment is at high elevation and it is dominated by steep slopes. In terms of temporal occurrence there is minor difference per location throughout cropping season. The results from these 3 indices imply that not only rainfall is the cause of crop failule but some factors such as topography, soil fertility or types of seed might contribute to decline in maize production. Further studies are recommended and proper rainwater management for sustainable food production.