The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that escalating climate crises, land degradation, and water scarcity directly threaten the livelihoods of millions in Afghanistan.
Kabul 24: In a statement on June 17, marking the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, UNAMA reported a staggering 50% decline in agricultural production, the primary income source for 80% of Afghanistan’s population. This sharp drop severely undermines food security and economic stability.
UNAMA highlighted that approximately 40% of Afghanistan’s land is at risk of degradation, while over 2.3 million people are grappling with the direct impacts of drought.
Deforestation and soil erosion have further exacerbated food insecurity and poverty. Farmers across various provinces report devastated farmlands and limited access to drinking water. One farmer lamented, “Our fields are ruined, and even drinking water is scarce.”
Environmental experts attribute these issues to insufficient rainfall, which has fueled droughts, floods, and water shortages.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that in the first three months of 2025, around five million Afghans were affected by natural disasters, including droughts, floods, heavy rains, and snowfall, displacing nearly 400,000 people.
Afghanistan ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, yet it lacks sufficient resources to address these challenges.
Six months ago, Rohullah Amin, head of climate change at Afghanistan’s Environmental Protection Agency, stated that the country requires $20.6 billion by 2030 to combat climate impacts. He urged the international community to provide critical support.
Without urgent action and substantial investment, climate-induced crises could deepen poverty, food insecurity, and displacement in Afghanistan. Sustainable programs to protect natural resources and support vulnerable communities are urgently needed to mitigate the worsening situation.
