A prolonged and worsening drought is severely impacting agricultural and livestock activities across half of Afghanistan, threatening millions of livelihoods, according to Afghanistan International, citing the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In a report based on satellite imagery and field assessments, the FAO described a "severe and multi-layered drought crisis" affecting 16 provinces. These include Bamyan, Ghor, Herat, Balkh, Faryab, Jawzjan, Samangan, Sar-e Pul, Daikundi, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Ghazni, Nangarhar, Paktika, and Panjshir.
The drought, which has persisted for several seasons, has depleted soil moisture, triggered widespread pasture shortages, and undermined rural economies. Rain-fed agriculture—relied upon by many small-scale farmers—has largely failed, and irrigated farming is under threat due to falling groundwater levels and widespread water scarcity.
The FAO also reported a surge in foot-and-mouth disease among livestock, compounding the challenges faced by herding communities already struggling with shrinking grazing lands.
In response, the FAO is urgently seeking $34.5mn in funding to provide critical assistance to 1.04mn people. Support would focus on restoring agriculture and livestock production, providing emergency inputs such as animal feed, seeds, and drought-tolerant crop varieties.
Beyond food production, the drought is expected to have wider repercussions, including reduced access to clean water, public health risks, potential displacement, and barriers to reintegration for returnees.
Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to climate change, with limited infrastructure and resources to withstand recurring shocks. The FAO emphasized that timely and targeted interventions are crucial to prevent further deterioration and to support long-term recovery efforts in the country's agricultural sector.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)