Afghanistan is grappling with a severe food security crisis, with 11.6mn people—roughly 25% of the population—facing food insecurity, according to the World Bank. This crisis is compounded by climate shocks, economic instability, and ongoing conflict, creating a challenging landscape for millions of vulnerable households.
Recurring droughts, considered among the worst in decades, and catastrophic floods have devastated Afghanistan's agriculture sector. Provinces like Baghlan, Takhar, and Badakhshan were particularly hard-hit this year by flooding, which destroyed homes, agricultural lands, and livestock. Afghanistan now ranks as the fourth most at-risk country for climate-related crises and is the seventh most vulnerable nation with limited coping capacity.
Over the past decade, the frequency of droughts has nearly doubled, disrupting agricultural cycles, supply chains, and food prices. Combined with economic pressures like inflation and currency depreciation, these challenges have significantly worsened food insecurity across the nation.
A World Bank study highlights the dual threats posed by droughts and floods. Droughts exacerbate water scarcity and reduce crop yields, while floods destroy crops and infrastructure. These disruptions drive up food prices and reduce agricultural wages, straining the purchasing power of already vulnerable populations. Economic instability—marked by rising fuel costs and inflation—further hampers households' ability to afford basic food, leaving millions at risk of hunger.
Experts emphasize that addressing Afghanistan's food insecurity requires both immediate aid and long-term investments in resilience. Promoting drought-resistant crops, improving irrigation systems, and diversifying agricultural practices are critical steps. Providing income assistance and enhancing market access for farmers can also help mitigate the effects of rising costs and support economic recovery.
The World Bank, in collaboration with international organizations, is leading initiatives to foster resilience. The Afghanistan Emergency Food Security Project (EFSP) boosts food crop production for smallholder farmers and addresses the nutritional needs of women-led households. It has increased wheat production by 26%, benefiting over 5mn people and improving irrigation across 523,000 hectares.
The Water Emergency Relief Project (WERP) enhances water access through sustainable energy solutions and supports drought-affected communities by replacing diesel pumps and improving irrigation systems. This project aims to assist 2,000 farmers and 100,000 community members.
Additionally, the World Bank, in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is developing drought forecasting tools using satellite data and machine learning. These tools provide early warnings and risk management support, enabling farmers to adjust their practices, such as altering irrigation schedules or planting drought-resistant crops.
Afghanistan’s food security crisis stresses the need for a robust and adaptive food system. By investing in climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and economic measures, Afghanistan can build a stronger foundation for food security. While emergency aid remains essential, long-term solutions are critical to safeguarding livelihoods and addressing the root causes of hunger.
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