The Food Security Crisis in Afghanistan
- Alan Hua
- Mar 20, 2022
- 2 min read
After decades of conflict and war, the Taliban took control over the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, on August 15, 2021. Already dealing with economic instability as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, recent conflicts such as drought and rising food prices are adding even more to the nation's current issues. According to the World Food Programme (WFP) in October 2021, over 50% (22 million people) of Afghanistan’s citizens are facing severe food insecurity, including over 3 million children. On top of this, the UN Resident Coordinator and deputy head of the UN assistance mission has stated that 95% of Afghans are not getting enough to eat.
One of the main issues in providing aid to Afghanistan is the Taliban takeover. Prior to the event, more than half the nation’s citizens were living in poverty and receiving aid from international sources and organizations. However, in an effort to prevent this aid from supporting the Taliban, many nations withdrew their aid to Afghanistan with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) halting payments as well. Considering that around 40% of the country’s GDP stems from international support, this event has certainly exacerbated the economic and food insecurity crises in Afghanistan.
Another issue in conjunction with this lack of aid is the increased prices of food and essential goods as a result of the Taliban’s military campaign. In addition, a rise in oil prices has increased food transportation costs by up to 50%, while companies such as Western Union and Moneygram have suspended their services to the country, leaving few options for funds being sent to Afghan citizens by family members abroad.
Recognizing the need to resume aid to Afghanistan, many nations have promised to provide humanitarian assistance, including the United States. However, many of these nations are reluctant to donate funds directly to the Taliban, therefore, this aid will most likely be allocated through international agencies. On the grounds of Afghanistan, the WFP has been working to build local food systems and support local farms as the Taliban has stated that they will allow the WFP to operate unhindered. Despite this, the need for humanitarian aid has never been greater as the new generation of Afghan children is entirely at stake.
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