The Afghan Diet: A Look At How Families Source Their Food

Afghanistan is a predominantly pastoral country, with agriculture forming the backbone of its economy. About 70% of Afghans live and work in rural areas, and 61% of households derive their income from agriculture. In the past, Afghanistan grew about 95% of its wheat and rye, and more than met its needs for rice, potatoes, pulses, nuts, and seeds. However, due to various factors such as drought, conflict, and economic challenges, the country now faces severe food insecurity, with nine out of ten people not having enough food to eat. This has resulted in an increased reliance on imports and foreign aid to meet their food needs.

The impact of the Taliban takeover on food security

Afghanistan has long been experiencing food insecurity, with the 2020 Global Hunger Index ranking the country 99th out of 107 countries. The situation has only worsened since the Taliban takeover, with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) estimating that 93% of Afghans were not getting enough food to eat at the beginning of September 2021, up from 80% before the Taliban took control.

Loss of Foreign Aid

The former Afghan government relied heavily on foreign aid, with about 80% of its budget coming from the US and other international donors. Since the Taliban takeover, the US and other nations have paused most aid and frozen Afghanistan's international reserves due to uncertainty about recognising the Taliban as the legitimate government. This has contributed to cash shortages, bank closures, and suspensions of money transfers, leading to hyperinflation of the Afghan currency and hindering humanitarian organisations' operations.

Disruptions to Food Supply Chains

The Taliban's control of highways and transportation channels across the country has disrupted both commercial and humanitarian supply lines, cutting off access to necessary resources for many people. The impact is particularly severe in areas near the borders with Iran and Pakistan.

Gender Inequality

The Taliban's policies on gender equality have negatively affected food security. Women's participation in the country's labour force has increased over the years, and their incomes have been crucial for their families' ability to access food. With the Taliban directing women to stay away from work, even temporarily, families are losing a vital source of income. Additionally, the removal of women from the workforce further restricts food supplies, as almost 20% of women-owned businesses in Afghanistan are in the food production and processing sector.

Economic Decline and Poverty

The Taliban takeover has accelerated Afghanistan's economic decline, with high unemployment and sustained inflation of commodity prices. This has increased household debt and made it challenging for families to afford food and other essential goods. The situation is particularly dire for families in rural areas, where agriculture is the primary source of income and livelihood.

Healthcare Collapse

Afghanistan's healthcare system has largely collapsed under Taliban rule, impacting access to maternal and infant health services, as well as sexual and reproductive health care. This has severe consequences for the health and nutrition of women and children, who are already disproportionately affected by food insecurity.

Recommendations for Improvement

To address the food security crisis in Afghanistan, several steps need to be taken:

• The international community should provide humanitarian aid without politicisation or hindrance by sanctions.
• Local food production and distribution systems should be strengthened, with a focus on supporting small farmers and women-owned enterprises.
• Efforts should be made to stabilise Afghanistan's food systems, improve institutional capacity, and integrate displaced people into food supply chains to prevent recurring crises.
• Local capacity for processing and storing farm products should be enhanced to reduce long-term dependence on food imports and aid.
• Measures should be taken to improve women's access to education and employment opportunities, as their participation in the economy is crucial for food security.

The role of agriculture in Afghanistan's economy

Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of Afghanistan's economy, contributing significantly to its growth. About 70% of Afghans live and work in rural areas, mostly on farms, and 61% of households derive income from agriculture. The sector employs 40% of the total workforce, and over half of Afghans living in rural areas work in agriculture.

The country's arable land is limited, with only about 12% of the land being cultivable, and less than 6% currently cultivated. Afghanistan's agricultural production is constrained by its dependence on erratic winter snows and spring rains for irrigation, with relatively little use of machinery, chemical fertilisers, or pesticides. The variety of crops corresponds to the country's topography, with fruits, wheat, rye, rice, potatoes, pulses, nuts, seeds, and cotton being the main produce.

Agriculture in Afghanistan has been impacted by various factors, including conflict, drought, and the illegal drug trade. The war and migration have caused significant destruction, reducing production and leading to food shortages. Additionally, the greater profits in the illegal drug trade have drawn resources away from traditional agriculture and food production.

Despite these challenges, agriculture in Afghanistan has the potential to drive economic growth and reduce poverty. With the right policies and investments, the sector can boost productivity, create jobs, and promote inclusiveness. Initiatives to diversify crops, improve irrigation facilities, and enhance market access can contribute to sustainable economic development.

Afghan women have also played an increasingly important role in agriculture, making up almost half of the agricultural workforce. However, they often face gender-based discrimination and marginalisation in rural areas. Programs like the National Solidarity Program (NSP) aim to empower women in agriculture by providing them with agricultural resources, grants, and marketing support.

The impact of conflict, climate, and economic downturns on food insecurity

Afghanistan is one of the most food-insecure countries in the world. The impact of conflict, climate, and economic downturns on food insecurity in Afghanistan has been devastating.

Conflict

Conflict has been a significant contributor to food insecurity in Afghanistan. Decades of war and internal conflict have disrupted markets, destroyed resources, and taken a psychological toll on the population. The country has suffered almost constant intrastate armed conflict, with multiple military coups and the Taliban's takeover from 1996-2001. The instability continued as the Taliban fought to regain control and the Afghan government floundered after the US-led overthrow of the Taliban in 2001. The lack of stable governance means that the population suffers from a lack of food availability and access. Conflict disrupts food production and distribution networks, making it difficult for people to access food. It also leads to displacement, which further contributes to food insecurity as people are forced to leave their homes, livelihoods, and support systems.

Climate

Afghanistan is also facing the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. The country is already a primarily arid environment, with rugged mountains and plains that make up most of its landmass. Climate change is expected to make the country even drier, with temperatures rising by up to 4 degrees Celsius by 2060. This will lead to increased soil erosion, reduced water supply, and more frequent crop failures and livestock starvation. The impact of climate change on food security is exacerbated by the country's dependence on agriculture, with almost 85% of the population dependent on farming or herding for their livelihood.

Economic Downturns

Economic downturns, often caused by conflict or climate change, further exacerbate food insecurity in Afghanistan. The country is one of the most aid-dependent in the world, and the withdrawal of international support has had severe consequences. The Taliban's takeover has led to the pause or freeze of most aid and the country's international reserves. Cash shortages, bank closures, and suspensions of money transfers have contributed to hyperinflation, making it even harder for Afghans to buy food and other essential goods. The economic crisis has also led to a decrease in purchasing power, with families spending over 60% of their budget on food, making them vulnerable to price shocks.

Combined Impact

The combined impact of conflict, climate change, and economic downturns has left millions of Afghans food insecure. According to the United Nations, nine out of ten people in Afghanistan do not have enough food to eat, and extreme poverty is widespread. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that millions of people could run out of food, adding to the millions already facing acute hunger. The situation is especially dire for women and children, who are at a higher risk of malnutrition and undernutrition.

The role of women in agriculture and food security

Afghanistan's economy is largely dependent on agriculture, which is the primary source of income for about 70% of Afghans. Women make up almost half of the agricultural workforce in the country, and their contributions are considered key to ensuring increased agricultural production and improving food and nutrition security.

Despite their significant role, Afghan women in agriculture are often marginalised and under-compensated for their work. They are predominantly involved in livestock and dairy production, and their work is often unpaid. Women also face gender-based discrimination when selling their produce in the markets. In addition, women in rural areas are seen as a substitute for male labour and are not paid for their work, which does not lead to financial independence.

However, there have been efforts to improve the situation. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have helped Afghan women become more involved in farming and earn an income. For example, in 2018, ACTED began working in Jowzjan province to boost household-level food production in rural areas, helping women earn additional income through more productive forms of agriculture. The National Solidarity Program (NSP), developed by the Afghanistan Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in 2003, provides agricultural resources to women, including grants of chickens, tax breaks, and marketing support for their businesses.

Furthermore, women have been instrumental in organising small village farm unions and introducing new crop types, such as cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, and beans, which compete better in the market. They have also been involved in seed production, creating "village-based seed enterprises." Farmer training programs for women, implemented outside of Kabul since 2009, have empowered women to earn their own money and achieve financial independence.

Overall, while Afghan women in agriculture face limitations and challenges, they remain crucial contributors to the country's food security and economic development.

The challenges of food production in arid and semiarid regions

Afghanistan is a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy. About 70% of Afghans live in rural areas, with 61% of households deriving their income from agriculture. However, food insecurity is a pressing issue in Afghanistan, with nine out of ten people not having enough food to eat. The country has been experiencing some of the worst food insecurity in the world, with one-third of the population being food insecure and millions at risk of running out of food.

Afghanistan's vulnerability to food insecurity is due to a combination of factors, including droughts, floods, economic challenges, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's reliance on agriculture makes it particularly susceptible to these issues, and farming families are often left struggling to feed themselves.

One of the main challenges in arid and semiarid regions is soil degradation, which is often caused by inappropriate land management practices. For example, cultivating steeply sloped farmlands can lead to water erosion during rainy seasons, resulting in a decline in soil productivity. Wind erosion is also a significant issue, particularly in areas with irregular and insufficient precipitation, high wind speeds, and light soil texture.

To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt sustainable land management practices. This includes soil and water conservation techniques, such as terracing, check dams, and stone bunds. Additionally, changing cropping patterns and crop diversification can help reduce the risk of crop failure. Integrating livestock, agroforestry, and field crops can also enhance resilience and improve food production.

Furthermore, the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties and improved irrigation techniques, such as supplementary irrigation and wastewater recycling, can mitigate the impacts of water scarcity. Conservation tillage and mulching practices can also help improve water infiltration and reduce evaporation.

It is important to note that the intensity and diversity of agricultural constraints vary from location to location, and continuous research is needed to develop new technologies and mechanisms to address these challenges. By implementing appropriate land management practices and adopting resilient agricultural systems, it is possible to enhance food production and improve the livelihoods of farming families in arid and semiarid regions like Afghanistan.

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