Kabul: Afghanistan has unveiled a $100 million food security initiative aimed at addressing a deepening humanitarian crisis that threatens millions of lives across the country. The programme, jointly supported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), seeks to provide immediate relief to families facing acute food insecurity while also laying the groundwork for longer-term agricultural recovery and livelihood support.
The initiative comes amid alarming statistics: according to FAO projections, 17.4 million Afghans are expected to face acute food insecurity in 2026, with 4.7 million children and adults suffering from severe malnutrition. The crisis has been exacerbated by consecutive years of economic collapse, the withdrawal of foreign aid, and mass deportations of Afghans from neighboring countries, which have strained household incomes and overwhelmed communities. Winter conditions, combined with past droughts, flooding, and natural disasters, have further diminished access to essential resources and livelihoods.
The programme targets over 151,000 Afghan families, including returnees from Pakistan and Iran, communities affected by natural disasters, and households dependent on subsistence farming. Its dual focus is to provide urgent food assistance while promoting resilience and self-sufficiency in rural communities. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized that the programme will equip households with agricultural inputs, tools, and guidance to rebuild crops and livestock, protect essential assets, and improve access to local markets. The initiative also prioritizes women-headed households and the most vulnerable populations, recognizing that these groups are disproportionately affected by the crisis.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize Afghanistan’s rural economy, which remains heavily dependent on agriculture. With approximately 80 percent of the population relying on farming for food and income, low productivity and limited market access have made many households highly vulnerable to economic shocks and climate-related disasters. The programme’s holistic approach aims to close gaps in food production, restore livelihoods, and create opportunities for economic recovery while addressing immediate humanitarian needs.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that without sustained international support, millions of Afghans could face famine-like conditions. The World Food Programme and other aid agencies have highlighted that while short-term relief is critical, long-term investment is equally essential to build resilience and prevent recurring hunger crises.
The launch of this $100 million programme signals a renewed commitment by the international community to mitigate Afghanistan’s escalating food insecurity. However, experts caution that far greater resources and coordinated efforts will be necessary to stabilize the country’s food systems and safeguard vulnerable populations against ongoing economic, political, and environmental pressures.
This initiative represents both an urgent humanitarian response and a strategic effort to strengthen Afghanistan’s rural communities, providing hope for millions who have endured years of hardship amid one of the most severe food crises in the world.