The European Union (EU) has announced a contribution of €25mn to Afghanistan through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to enhance community resilience and promote more nutritious diets, as per to Ariana News on December 11.
The funding is part of an integrated approach aimed at strengthening agricultural and food value chains, improving nutrition, and increasing economic resilience for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and local communities. EU Charge d’affaires in Afghanistan, Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, highlighted that the investment will support measures to protect livelihoods and incomes against natural disasters and the long-term impacts of climate change.
Key projects under the initiative will focus on upgrading community assets such as flood protection walls and irrigation systems, reducing climate-related risks, and safeguarding productive assets critical for local economic stability.
A significant component of the funding will support WFP’s school meals programme. The programme includes training women’s associations and youth entrepreneurs to supply fresh, fortified snacks to schoolchildren, aiming to stimulate local economies while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
John Aylieff, WFP Representative and Country Director in Afghanistan, stated that the EU’s investment is intended to deliver a “triple return”: strengthening livelihoods and resilience, enhancing local food systems, and expanding opportunities for women and youth.
