The Parched Land: Afghanistan's Decade-Long Drought Crisis

Afghanistan is currently facing its third consecutive year of drought, with 2024 marking the third year of water shortages and high temperatures. The country, which is heavily dependent on agriculture, has seen below-normal rainfall since October 2020, with conditions expected to continue throughout 2021. This has severely impacted the winter snow accumulation, which is critical for water access during the agricultural seasons. The drought has affected both rain-fed and irrigated agriculture and livestock and has led to a rise in food insecurity and malnutrition.

The lack of snowfall and rain has forced many farmers to delay planting crops, and the low yields are causing economic hardship for farming families. The drought has also led to an increase in disease outbreaks and displacement, with abandoned villages becoming a common sight. Afghanistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, and the persistent drought is taking a toll on its economy and food security.

The drought in Afghanistan is causing food shortages and insecurity.

Afghanistan has been experiencing below-normal rainfall since October 2020, with the drought conditions affecting the winter snow accumulation that is critical for water access during the spring and summer agricultural seasons. The drought has impacted both rain-fed and irrigated agriculture and livestock, as well as the availability of drinking water, washing, and sanitation.

The drought in Afghanistan is causing severe food shortages and insecurity, with around 13.1 million people grappling with food shortages according to the latest food insecurity analysis. The acute food security crisis compounds the social and economic hardships already faced by millions in Afghanistan due to the COVID-19 pandemic, rising food prices, high unemployment, and years of conflict.

The drought has led to a drastic reduction in rainfall, causing levels of food and water scarcity across 25 provinces in Afghanistan. An assessment by the International Rescue Committee in Herat, Badghis, Pakitya, Helmand, and Khost provinces revealed that 83% of the interviewees were already experiencing displacement within their communities. Families are being pushed to extreme survival measures, such as selling off assets, reducing meals, and even child marriage.

The drought is also impacting wheat production, with a deficit of 16 to 27% expected for the year. This will require increased imports from international suppliers, further affecting communities already suffering from economic crises. The food security situation is expected to deteriorate during the 2021-2022 lean season, with a below-average harvest anticipated due to low rainfall.

The ongoing drought in Afghanistan is causing a critical food shortage crisis, severely impacting both rural and urban areas. The lack of water for agriculture and rising food prices have forced people from their land, with around 22.8 million people experiencing high levels of acute food shortages. The situation is further exacerbated by the Taliban takeover, which has disrupted food supply chains and restricted women's participation in the country's labor force.

The drought is impacting farmers' livelihoods and the economy

Afghanistan is currently facing its third consecutive year of drought, which is impacting the livelihoods of farmers and the economy. The country is heavily reliant on agriculture, with around 70% of Afghans living in rural areas and the sector generating about 30% of GDP. However, due to water shortages, many farmers have been unable to plant crops or have suffered reduced yields, threatening their livelihoods and contributing to food insecurity in the country.

The drought has led to a reduction in crop production and livestock numbers, with farmers unable to cultivate spring crops and facing water shortages that threaten agricultural outputs. The lack of precipitation has also resulted in lower river flows, affecting irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. Afghanistan's economy is already struggling due to conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic instability, and the drought is exacerbating these issues. The reduced agricultural productivity and income has led to a decline in purchasing power, further impacting the economy.

The impact of the drought on farmers' livelihoods is severe, with many facing financial difficulties and displacement. Some farmers have had to adopt negative coping strategies, such as selling assets, reducing meals, or migrating in search of water and work. The income of farmers has shrunk, and they have had to cut back on food and other essentials. The drought has also led to an increase in conflict in areas where water supplies have depleted.

The Afghan government and humanitarian organizations have provided assistance to farmers and vulnerable communities, but the scale of the crisis is overwhelming. The situation has been further compounded by the Taliban's takeover, which has limited the recognition and development assistance from foreign governments. The current drought is expected to continue impacting farmers' livelihoods and the economy, with predictions of below-average harvests and persistent water scarcity.

The drought is causing displacement and migration

Afghanistan is currently facing its third consecutive year of drought, which is causing displacement and migration within and outside the country. The drought has been exacerbated by climate change, which has led to intensifying pressure on water resources.

The lack of water has severely impacted farmers, the economy, and food security. Many farmers have been forced to delay planting or have lost their harvests due to water shortages, and their incomes have shrunk as a result. This has left communities dependent on meagre incomes from migrating outside their farmlands.

The drought has also caused levels of food and water scarcity across 25 provinces in Afghanistan, not seen since the drought of 2018 that displaced a quarter of a million people. An assessment by the International Rescue Committee found that 83% of 484 people interviewed across five provinces were already experiencing displacement within their communities. The lack of water has also led to an increase in conflict in these areas.

The drought has further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, with millions of people facing acute food insecurity and malnutrition. The situation has been made worse by the economic crisis, high food prices, conflict, COVID-19, and widespread unemployment.

The impact of the drought has been so severe that many Afghans have been forced to migrate to neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Iran. However, those without legal status often face challenges and hardships upon arrival.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is becoming increasingly alarming, and the assistance community is working to provide aid to those affected by the drought. However, the magnitude of the population in need and the limited resources available have made it difficult to reach everyone.

The drought in Afghanistan is causing significant displacement and migration, with people leaving their homes and communities in search of water, food, and income. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming months, and the assistance community will require additional resources to support those affected.

The drought is causing malnutrition and disease

Afghanistan is currently facing its third consecutive year of drought, which is causing malnutrition and disease. The drought has been exacerbated by climate change, which has led to intensifying pressure on water resources. With little functioning irrigation, Afghanistan relies on snow melting in the mountains to keep its rivers flowing and fields watered during the summer. However, rising temperatures mean less precipitation falls as snow, and the summer melt is not feeding the rivers as much as it used to. This has resulted in water scarcity, which impacts livelihoods, contributes to increased disease outbreaks, and drives displacement.

The drought has also led to a reduction in food production, as many farmers have been forced to delay planting or have lost their crops due to water shortages. This has resulted in food shortages, with around 22.8 million people experiencing high levels of acute food shortages. The situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic instability, with many people losing their jobs and being unable to afford food.

The impact of the drought on food production and water scarcity has had a devastating effect on the health of Afghans, particularly children. There has been an increase in cases of acute malnutrition, with children suffering from the lack of nutritious food. In addition, the lack of access to clean water has led to outbreaks of disease, such as acute watery diarrhoea, which particularly affects children. The situation is expected to worsen, with predictions of a below-average harvest and continued water shortages.

Humanitarian aid has been provided to help those affected by the drought, but the response has been limited due to the lack of recognition of the Taliban government and the reduction in humanitarian aid. Efforts are being made to establish more drought-resistant crops and revitalise livestock, but more international support is needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

The drought is affecting water sources and sanitation

Afghanistan is currently facing its third consecutive year of drought, which is having a devastating impact on water sources and sanitation. The country is heavily dependent on agriculture, with around 70% of Afghans living in rural areas and relying directly on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, the drought has led to a drastic reduction in rainfall and snow accumulation, affecting both rain-fed and irrigated agriculture. This has resulted in crop failures, particularly for wheat, and a decline in livestock production.

The lack of precipitation has also depleted water sources, including rivers, springs, and groundwater levels. This has severe consequences for drinking water availability, with many communities facing water scarcity and being forced to rely on alternative sources such as water trucking. The shortage of clean water has led to an increase in water-borne diseases, such as cholera and acute watery diarrhoea, particularly among children.

The impact of the drought on water sources has also disrupted basic sanitation practices. For example, in Kabul, the use of sewage waste and street water for irrigation has been observed due to the lack of clean water. This poses public health risks and contributes to the spread of diseases.

The drought has forced many families to flee their homes in search of clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It has also led to an increase in conflict over water resources, with a reported rise in violence in areas facing water scarcity.

The Afghan government and humanitarian organizations have been providing assistance to drought-affected communities. However, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming, and the country's economic situation further complicates the response. The drought has exacerbated existing challenges, such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty, leaving millions of Afghans in need of urgent humanitarian aid.

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