Emergency assistance needs are anticipated to be atypically high through 2019/20 lean season. The 2018/19 rainy season was marked by a delayed start of season, below average rainfall, early cessation of rains, and heavy late season rainfall and flooding associated with Tropical Cyclones Desmond, Idai, and Kenneth. In most of the south, rainfall was delayed and erratic resulting in a reduction of area planted as well as poor germination, crop establishment, and multiple planting attempts. Additionally, mid-season dryness resulted in poor cropping conditions along with permanent wilting and crop failure in localized areas.