This report examines the social protection systems currently in place in Lesotho and analyses their capacity to respond effectively to shocks such as the drought of 2015-2017. The report is based on a series of consultations with key stakeholders over the course of two one week visits in April and June 2017. Field work was undertaken by Matt Hobson (team leader), Stephen Anderson, Miles Murray and Alejandra Campero. The report was written by Stephen Anderson, Matt Hobson and Miles Murray with support from Alejandra Campero under the guidance of Lucilla Maria Bruni and Julie Dana. The consultation process was supplemented by an analysis of available data on Lesotho and the broader issues of social protection and Disaster Risk Management.