Afghanistan launches $100 million food security program amid worsening crisis
Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating sharply, with millions pushed into hunger by the loss of remittances. The United Nations said on Thursday that Afghanistan will roll out a two-year, $100 million food security project backed by the UN and Asian Development Bank to support more than 151,000 families. This includes Afghan returnees from Iran and Pakistan as well as people affected by recent earthquakes and floods.
The program aims not only to address immediate food security needs but also to close Afghanistan’s food production gap and create space for private sector recovery. Director of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization Qu Dongyu emphasized that while these measures are crucial, they cannot solve the root causes of the crisis.
The FAO warned in a report that 17.4 million people are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2026, with 4.7 million affected by acute malnutrition. With winter conditions, scarce jobs, and funding shortfalls further straining households, aid agencies warn that last year marked the biggest surge in malnutrition ever recorded in Afghanistan, with conditions likely to worsen next year.
The situation reflects broader challenges including mass deportations of Afghans from neighboring states, foreign aid cuts, and an economic crisis.