12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Brief information on food security and natural disasters in Afghanistan ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22744]

"Afghanistan’s first Millennium Development Goals Report281 states that 40 percent of the rural population is unable to count on sufficient food to satisfy its most basic needs. UN agencies report a harvest shortfall of up to 1.2 million metric tons in 2006 and a drought affecting up to 2.5 million people, half of whom are children.

The 2005 National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Report found that some 6.6 million Afghans do not meet their minimum food requirements. In addition, around 400,000 people are seriously affected each year by natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, earthquakes and extreme weather conditions. Drought conditions in the east, south and southwest have resulted in a far smaller cereals harvest than originally expected in 2006. Fifty-four percent of children under five are stunted and 6.7 percent are wasted, while 72 percent of children under five and 48 percent of women are iron-deficient."

Document(s): Open document

12.2007 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Only 23 percent of the Afghan population has access to safe water ("UNHCR's Eligibility Guidelines for Assessing the International Protection Needs of Afghan Asylum-Seekers") [ID 22748]

"Afghanistan Millennium Development Target 13 is to halve, by 2020, the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The current baseline is estimated to be 77 percent of the Afghan population without access to an “improved water source.” Hence, only 23 percent of the Afghan population has access to safe water, 18 percent in rural and 43 percent in urban areas. Access to adequate sanitation is even lower, with an estimated 12 percent.

The Government has set the target of reducing the proportion of Afghan people without sustainable access to an improved water source to 38.5 percent by the year 2020.

According to the findings from Human Rights Field Monitoring interviews conducted in 2006 by AIHRC and UNHCR, 51 percent of interviewees use a covered water source, such as protected dug well or borehole, as safe drinking water, whilst 49 percent use an uncovered water source. Furthermore, 68 percent of interviewees stated that they were having problems with water, mainly related to quality (48 percent), availability (24 percent) and physical accessibility (23 percent) to the water source."

Document(s): Open document

28.09.2004 - Source: ReliefWeb

Around 6.3 million Afghans are facing threat of famine as protracted drought is continuing ("Drought affects over six million Afghans: minister (Xinhua)") [#26004],  [ID 2306]

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2004 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

It is estimated that over 6 million people will be affected by continued drought and crop failures this year ("Country faces severe drought - WFP") [#25574],  [ID 2307]

Document(s): Open document

26.07.2004 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Emergency assistance, including food aid, sent to areas of southeastern Paktia province and western Herat province hit by recent earthquakes ("Afghanistan: Emergency aid reaches quake victims in Herat, Paktia") [#24213],  [ID 2308]

Document(s): Open document

06.2004 -

WFP: Afghanistan AFSU/VAM Food Prices Reports (weekly; until June 2004) ("Food prices 2002 & 2003") [ID 2309]

Document(s): Food prices 2002 & 2003

06.2004 -

WFP: Afghanistan AFSU/VAM Food Prices Reports (weekly; until June 2004) ("Food prices 2004") [ID 2309]

Document(s): Food prices 2004

03.12.2003 - Source: UN General Assembly

6 million Afghans still require food assistance for the rest of 2003; food insecurity has been exacerbated in some areas of the country by environmental degradation and, in the south and south-west, continued drought ("Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (A/58/616)") [#18064],  [ID 2310]

"[...] 52. The 2002 cereal harvest was 83 per cent above that of the previous year and only slightly below the pre-drought levels of 1998. In 2003 cereal production was up by another 50 per cent due to good rainfall and the exploitation of previously unused land plots. In 2003, wheat production in rain-fed areas increased 77 per cent over that of 2002. The abundant rainfall has also induced farmers to cultivate marginal land, which has normally been used as pastureland in some areas. However, equivalent high levels of production from rain-fed land may not be sustainable in the future.

C. Food aid and food security

53. As of June 2003, some 10 million people had been provided with 535,000 metric tons of food commodities, including supplementary feeding, school feeding and civil service rations. An estimated 6 million Afghans still require food assistance for the rest of 2003. Substantial food deficits remain among certain remote, displaced and recently returned populations, but the numbers of those affected are substantially lower than in 2002, reflecting increased rainfall and the start of economic recovery. However, food insecurity has been exacerbated in some areas of the country by environmental degradation and, in the south and south-west, continued drought.
54. A combination of ongoing food aid schemes is ensuring that food assistance needs are met. As Afghanistan has a predominantly agrarian economy, the majority of food aid projects are focused on the restoration of agricultural opportunities, the recovery of agricultural land, seed stocks, irrigation systems, the rehabilitation of pasturelands and the recuperation of livestock, as well as environmental protection. Special initiatives are addressing the particular needs of vulnerable groups, including nomadic Kuchi populations, whose traditional way of life has been severely damaged by years of drought and conflict. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2003 - Source: UN General Assembly

Only a third of the schools and less than 5 per cent of the vulnerable villages receive safe drinking water ("Report of the Secretary General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (A/58/616)") [#18064],  [ID 2311]

"[...] 58. The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development in collaboration with UNICEF, UNHCR and several non-governmental organizations has been providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to schools, vulnerable villages affected by drought, communities experiencing high numbers of refugee returns and camps for internally displaced persons. In addition, UNICEF, WHO and the World Food Programme (WFP) are working with the Ministry of Health to reduce the steep rise in the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases, especially in major cities, through public awareness campaigns and the chlorination of drinking water. This year, all camps for internally displaced persons have been provided with these facilities, but only a third of the 3,500 schools and less than 5 per cent of the vulnerable villages targeted have received these services. The main constraints of the sector are the low funding response from donors, the shortage of sufficient implementing partners and appropriate drilling equipment, and insufficient capacities to plan and manage the sector. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Improved access to clean water for more than 150,000 people in north-western Kabul ("Improved access to clean water") [#30846],  [ID 2312]

"On 30 November, the ICRC handed over to the local authorities a rebuilt water-supply system that serves 150,000 people in north-western Kabul."

Document(s): Open document

13.11.2003 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Nimroz province: the border town of Zaranj left without drinking water, people are dependent on costly water from Iran or on local, salty water ("Thirsty Town Taps Into Iran") [#17539],  [ID 2313]

Document(s): Open document

11.11.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Chronic malnutrition and food insecurity still remain serious concerns in the country, with children the most vulnerable ("Emergency Update: Nov 2003") [#17584],  [ID 2314]

"A national vulnerability and risk assessment is currently underway. Following the findings of a nation-wide vulnerability assessment of rural populations between July - September 2002, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) estimated that 4.3 million Afghans in rural settled areas did not have access to sufficient resources to meet their basic food needs. Despite significant improvements in agricultural production, chronic malnutrition and food insecurity still remain serious concerns in the country, with children the most vulnerable. Almost half of those under five have been found to be underweight with rates of global acute malnutrition (GAM) in rural areas typically at 5%."

Document(s): Open document

09.10.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Central provinces: nutrition problems, lack of water, regrouping Talibans ("In central provinces, residents fear hunger first, Taliban second (RFE/RL)") [#16694],  [ID 2315]

Document(s): Open document

09.2003 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Chronische Unterernährung bei 45% bis 59%; akute Unterernährung bei 6% bis 12%; Kindersterblichkeit zählt zu den höchsten der Welt ("Aktualisierte Darstellung der Lage in Afghanistan") [#47150],  [ID 2316]

"Die Bevölkerung ist nach wie vor außerordentlich schlecht ernährt; chronisch unterernährt sind 45 bis 59 Prozent; an akuter Unterernährung leiden zwischen 6 und 12 Prozent. Die Sterblichkeitsrate bei Kindern unter 5 Jahren zählt zu den höchsten der Welt. Die Lebenserwartung beträgt nur 45 Jahre für Frauen und 44 Jahre für Männer. Zugang zu sauberem Trinkwasser haben nur 35 Prozent der städtischen Bevölkerung; in ländlichen Gebieten sind es lediglich 9 Prozent. Nur 30 bis 40 Prozent der Bevölkerung haben Zugang zu Gesundheitsdiensten. Ein großer Teil der Krankheits- und Todesfälle beruht auf vermeidbaren übertragbaren Krankheiten wie Masern, Cholera, Tuberkulose, Malaria, Meningitis, Hepatitis, Typhus, Atemwegserkrankungen bei Kindern und Diarrhöe."

Document(s): Open document

09.2003 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Unsichere Versorgungslage und mangelndes Einkommen verschärfen bestehende Landprobleme ("Aktualisierte Darstellung der Lage in Afghanistan") [#47150],  [ID 2317]

"Nach Einschätzung des Welternährungsprogrammes der Vereinten Nationen (WFP) und anderer Organisationen haben ca. 4,3 Millionen Afghanen ihre Möglichkeiten, sich selbst notdürftig zu ernähren, erschöpft, sind nun von Hunger bedroht und bleiben für ihr Überleben im Jahr 2003 von Lebensmittel- und anderen humanitären Hilfslieferungen abhängig. Eine Einschätzung der Versorgungslage in Afghanistan durch WFP vom Mai 2002 kam zu dem Ergebnis, dass die Dürre im Norden und Westen zwar nachgelassen hat, in den zentralen und südlichen Regionen jedoch anhält. Besonders betroffene Regionen sind Nimroz, Helmand, Kandahar, Zabul und Uruzgan, wo die Dürre seit vier Jahren anhält. Da die Schneedecke, die die Flüsse speist, einen Tiefstand erreicht hat, gibt es in den Provinzen im Norden und Westen des Landes (etwa in den Provinzen Farah und Ghor) weiterhin Probleme mit der Bewässerung und dem Trinkwasser, auch wenn die Ernte im Nordosten im Jahr 2002 insgesamt gut war. Bezahlte Arbeit und damit Bargeld sind so gut wie nicht verfügbar. Immer mehr Afghanen sind verschuldet und können selbst dann keine Lebensmittel kaufen, wenn diese erhältlich sind. Dürre und Armut haben im Jahr 2002 zu weiteren Bevölkerungsbewegungen geführt.
Die unsichere Versorgungslage und mangelndes Einkommen haben bestehende Landprobleme verschärft, die durch Zerstörung oder illegale Besetzung von Eigentum entstanden sind. Wegen Landminen kann in einigen Gegenden das Land außerhalb von Dörfern nicht mehr bewirtschaftet werden. In Kabul belastet die zunehmende Verstädterung die Wasser- und Elektrizitätsversorgung. Viele Rückkehrer und Binnenvertriebene hausen in Zelten und halb zerstörten öffentlichen Gebäuden, während andere sich Wohnungen teilen."

Document(s): Open document

29.08.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Report on the Nutrition Situation of Refugees and Displaced Populations for Afghanistan, Angola, Congo, Congo (DR), Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda ("Report on the Nutrition Situation of Refugees and Displaced Populations (UN Standing Committee on Nutrition)") [#15677],  [ID 2318]

Document(s): Open document

21.08.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Although Afghanistan’s cereal crop for 2003 will be the largest in two decades, many people will remain reliant on humanitarian assistance ("Cereal crop largest in two decades") [#15584],  [ID 2319]

Document(s): Open document

12.08.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

New efforts to reduce incidence of diarrheal and other water-borne diseases in Afghan capital ("Chlorination campaign to safeguard health of Kabul population") [#15108],  [ID 2320]

Document(s): Open document

08.2003 - Source: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit

Study of winter vulnerability and coping strategies of families participating in a cash-for-work programme: income generating strategies, shelter, and social networks ("One Hundred Households in Kabul. A study of winter vulnerability, coping strategies, and the impact of cash-for-work programmes on the lives of the “vulnerable”") [#18868],  [ID 2321]

"“Winterisation” was the buzzword of last winter. “Winterisation” appears to have included any project or programme which aimed to help those susceptible to the threats of winter to prepare/ and or cope. With the larger than expected arrival of refugee returnee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to the city, fears grew within the government and among the aid community, that with a concomitant rise in rents, and increased pressure on already inadequate sanitation and water supplies, many would be without adequate shelter to cope with the onset of the cold season.

While access issues, such as access to roads and markets, dominated the rural debate, inadequate housing due to the destruction of previous years and the huge recent influx of people to cities, particularly Kabul, dominated the urban debate. As a result projects aimed at targeting the “winter vulnerable” were carried out by various agencies: government, UN and NGOs, both in rural and urban settings. However, while agencies may have learned lessons from previous experiences, few programmes appear to have been based on in-depth monitoring of previous programmes or investigation into why, how, and who are vulnerable to the threats of winter."

Document(s): Open document

31.07.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

70 percent of Afghans undernourished; chronic-level malnutrition still widespread ("Bumper wheat harvest predicted") [#14873],  [ID 2322]

Document(s): Open document

05.06.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Water a major problem in rural and urban areas due to water scarcity, mismanagement and damaged water systems/ only 20 percent of Afghans have access to safe drinking water ("Water a serious problem nationwide") [#13301],  [ID 2323]

Document(s): Open document

03.06.2003 - Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Still a substantial food deficit in certain parts of the country ("Transitional Assistance Programme for Afghanistan - Mid-Year Review; May 2003") [#14692],  [ID 2324]

"The priority in the coming months will be on providing food aid to vulnerable groups, while also shifting towards food for work programmes and food for children to gain access to schools. Some ten million people have been provided with 535,000 MTs of food commodities, including supplementary feeding, school feeding and civil service rations. Environment degradation, drought in the southwest and other factors still leave a substantial food deficit in certain parts of the country and a combination of schemes will continue to be required to provide the appropriate assistance. Aggregate 2002 cereal production was up by over 80% from 2001, and preliminary estimates indicate a better harvest for 2003. However, many more elements of recovery are needed. Since Afghanistan is predominantly an agrarian society, many projects focus on restoration of agricultural opportunities, recovery of agriculture, seed stocks, irrigation systems and pasturelands, environmental protection and recuperation of livestock. Special initiatives will address the particular needs of nomadic pastoralist Kuchi populations, whose lives have been destroyed by years of drought and conflict."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2003 - Source: ReliefWeb

Recent rains brought some water ("UNHCR briefing notes: Iraq, Afghanistan, Liberia, Kosovo") [#31022],  [ID 2325]

"Recent rains across Afghanistan have eased the drought in the north and alleviated some water problems in the south and east of the country, encouraging some people to repatriate home. While important job-creating development is underway in Afghanistan, refugees cite concerns about security, shelter and employment."

Document(s): Open document

03.02.2003 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Access to water ("Civil and political rights, including the question of disappearances and summary executions E/CN.4/2003/3/Add.4 E/CN.4/2003/3/Add.4") [#10765],  [ID 2326]

"Another example concerns a man from a village in the North, who was killed by a local militia for intervening in a dispute over factional control of access to water sources. The leadership intervened and the militia leader apologized to the other villagers by offering compensation for the crime. The villagers have refused and are requesting that the militia leader be arrested and charged - so far no action has been taken"

Document(s): Open document
02464afgh.pdf

15.01.2003 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Humanitarian developments in the year 2002 highlighted ("Afghanistan: Chronology of humanitarian and related developments in 2002") [#10389],  [ID 2327]

Document(s): Open document

13.01.2003 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Some 2.2 million people are receiving emergency food aid ("Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world E/CN.4/2003/39") [#10757],  [ID 2328]

"25. Despite a good harvest in 2002, the effects of years of conflict, drought, isolation and impoverishment still affect millions of Afghans. Some 2.2 million Afghans are highly vulnerable to the expected effects of the harsh winter weather and are receiving emergency food aid and support for shelter and warmth to combat the cold. In 2003, some 4.1 million Afghans are expected to need emergency food aid.
26. Afghanistan remains a predominantly agrarian society. The restoration of agricultural opportunities and the recovery of agriculture, including seed stocks, irrigation systems, pasture lands, pest control and livestock, are significant elements of the 2003 programme, supported by off-farm income-generating initiatives. Special initiatives will address the particular needs of nomadic pastoralist Kuchi populations, whose way of life has been disrupted or destroyed by years of conflict and drought. In 2002, poppy cultivation has increased markedly in the country. The United Nations is participating in a multi-partner, long-term strategy to combat poppy production, provide alternative livelihoods, reduce demand and strengthen law enforcement networks as part of a national counter-narcotics strategy. In parallel, TAPA will address the survival, shelter and livelihood needs of Afghanistan’s growing urban population, supporting urgently needed sites and services development as well as longer-term urban planning. Throughout the country, the United Nations system and its partners will be supporting skill-training and work programmes for former combatants, as part of a massive national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme."

Document(s): Open document
02457afgh.pdf

31.10.2002 - Source: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

UNAMA: WFP has enough food to assist vulnerable groups during winter ("Afghanistan Weekly Situation Report for Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction (25 - 31 October 2002)") [#9491],  [ID 2329]

"National Winter Preparedness Plan: WFP has enough food to assist the identified caseload of vulnerable population in inaccessible rural areas (1.3 m people). The internally displaced/returnees and urban population determined as vulnerable to winter (383,000 people) will be serviced through WFP regular programme."

Document(s): Open document
unama_weekly_25_31_october2002.pdf

24.10.2002 - Source: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

Conflict over equal and fair access to water sources ("Afghanistan Weekly Situation Report for Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction (18 - 24 October 2002)") [#9490],  [ID 2330]

"As previously noted, the protection working group tasked UNAMA to assess reported problems with equal and fair access to water sources. In line with this, several meetings were conducted during the week with provincial authorities on the issue of access to water. Discussions involved identifying areas where communities are prevented from access to water either by landowners or by commanders, technical issues involving water supply and identifying solutions. An assessment mission will be conducted to some of the areas to meet with effected communities and a consolidation of findings will be presented at the next protection working group meeting, scheduled for the week of 28 October."

Document(s): Open document
unama_weekly_18_24_october2002.pdf

24.10.2002 - Source: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

Jawand/Chagcharan: land disputes ("Afghanistan Weekly Situation Report for Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction (18 - 24 October 2002)") [#9490],  [ID 2331]

"Clashes between returnee families and residents in the area bordering Jawand and Chagcharan Districts has resulted in re-displacement of some 120 families and is likely related to land disputes. UNHCR, WFP and World Vision are researching the situation."

Document(s): Open document
unama_weekly_18_24_october2002.pdf

28.08.2002 - Source: World Food Programme

WFP: Pastoralist Vulnerability Study ("Pastoralist Vulnerability Study") [#31027],  [ID 2333]

Document(s): Open document

21.08.2002 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

IRIN: Food security ("Focus on food security") [#30691],  [ID 2334]

"We have to get out of the fire-brigade approach," Shukri Ahmed, an economist at the Global Information and Early Warning System of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), told IRIN from Rome. "We have to go for a medium- and long-term plan to end food insecurity."

Ahmed explained that this did not mean that emergency food relief was not required - some six million people in Afghanistan remained highly vulnerable to food insecurity and need relief food assistance over the next year.

Alejandro Chicheri, the World Food Programme (WFP) spokesman in the Afghan capital, Kabul, told IRIN that total cereal production in Afghanistan for 2002 would be about 3.5 million mt, which is 82 percent above last year's drought-affected crop. He pointed out, however, that "some 219,000 tonnes of emergency food aid has been pledged, or is already in the pipeline. But that leaves an uncovered gap of 249,000 tonnes."

Drought, Chicheri said, had moved from the north to the south of the country, making the latter an area of concern. Southern Afghanistan also accommodates the largest number of internally displaced people - all dependent on food aid.

According to a joint report by WFP and the FAO, humanitarian concerns for Afghanistan were raised by a number of factors, including drought, military and political upheavals, devastating earthquakes in the north, and locust infestation during the 2002 crop year.

However, despite all the odds, overall cereal production has recovered strongly, mainly due to increased and timely rainfall. "Rain-fed wheat, in particular, has recovered significantly in major growing areas of the north and western provinces compared to the previous three drought- affected years," the FAO said.

Aggregate wheat production, the main Afghan staple, is estimated at 2.69 million tonnes, some 67 percent more than was achieved last year."

Document(s): Open document

13.08.2002 - Source: UN General Assembly

Drought has left countless small and medium-sized farmers heavily in debt; there is a great need for cash and institutional support ("Situation of human rights in Afghanistan A/57/309") [#9762],  [ID 2335]

"A report issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) notes that while rural indebtedness is a chronic problem, the protracted drought has left countless small and medium-sized farmers heavily in debt. Many IDPs have been selling non-food relief items to get cash either to buy food or to begin paying debts. Small and not-so-small farmers are losing their land. There is a great need for cash and institutional support in the form of a national microcredit programme, which would significantly contribute towards the rehabilitation of these farmers. Another recent study, based on fieldwork done between January and May 2002, underlines the widespread food insecurity. This situation is the result of multiple factors, including natural and man-made hazards and people’s reduced ability to cope.
The continuing effects of the protracted drought are still being felt. Although it has eased in the north and west, the drought persists in the central and southern regions. Despite some positive developments, there is still a need for targeted, balanced and long-term programmes of food assistance. Among the measures recommended for addressing food insecurity are (a) a multi-year strategy of assistance that would include expanded relief and development assistance; (b) principled humanitarian engagement to alleviate food insecurity; and (c) specific sectoral interventions, including the immediate provision of water, cash infusions, microfinance and restoration of road networks.
WFP, which is the largest humanitarian agency working in Afghanistan, faces a significant deficit. It has received $183 million so far this year, which is only two thirds of what it needs to feed some 9 million people. According to current WFP estimates, the agency still faces a huge shortage of 175,000 tons of food.
Funds and food are urgently needed both to meet survival needs and for priority reconstruction projects. The pledge of $4.5 billion over five years appears to be based on cost estimates from unidentified countries that received international assistance of $40 to $80 per capita annually for post-conflict recovery programmes. By contrast, aid to the Balkans and East Timor ranged from $200 to $300 per capita annually. Comparable levels of aid for Afghanistan would translate into an annual figure of at least $5 billion, which is far greater than the pledges made at Tokyo. It is therefore imperative that the essentially modest pledges made be fully honoured and that funds be made available in a timely manner. There is also a need to ensure that the assistance is equitably distributed throughout Afghanistan and, in particular, that it reaches the remote areas and the most vulnerable sectors of the population.
WFP rapid emergency assessments indicate rises in all of the following distress indicators: sale of assets, labour migration, consumption of wild foods, spiralling debt, begging, early marriage of girls as young as 7 years of age and indentured labour of boys. A shortage of the food resources needed to maintain or commence the Food-for-Asset Creation and Food-for-Work Programmes has meant a slowdown or suspension of the rehabilitation activities targeted for 6 million rural Afghans. As a result of the food aid shortages, the already stressed coping mechanisms used by struggling women and men are at risk of complete breakdown and destitution threatens to spread in communities that are already desperately poor.
The current emergency operation still faces a shortfall of more than 175,000 tons of food worth approximately $102 million, or 36 per cent of the total requirements. As a result, many of the most vulnerable women, men and children will receive reduced food assistance or none at all when they critically need it. It is essential that resources be made available before the onset of heavy snows in order to enable food to reach remote areas, where an estimated 4 million people are at risk."

Document(s): Open document
02385afgh.pdf

25.07.2002 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International: Food distribution at risk due to the lack of resources ("Continuing need for Protection and Standards for Return of Afghan refugees") [#8004],  [ID 2336]

"In early May 2002, aid agencies, including UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that international funding was not being provided quickly enough and that programs including food distributions and voluntary repatriation were at risk of being stopped due to the lack of resources. UNHCR called on the international community to ensure that the return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons remains sustainable.33 If UNHCR is to continue facilitating the voluntary repatriation of refugees, without disruption, it is incumbent on donor states to honour their commitments to fund UNHCR to this end. Failure to do so could seriously undermine the sustainability of return, thus contributing to an increased likelihood of renewed cycles of displacement.
[...]
Food security is a major and continuing problem. There are serious concerns about the availability of food and water following three consecutive years of drought. The World Health Organisation have stated that six million people depend on food aid, and another six million people have no access to basic necessities. In northern Afghanistan, an outbreak of locusts is destroying the wheat crop."

Document(s): Open document

11.07.2002 - Source: UN Security Council

UN Secretary-General: High levels of chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among women and children in particular; situation likely to deteriorate with increasing number of returns ("The situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security [A/56/1000–S/2002/737]") [#49253],  [ID 2337]

"55. In the food aid and food security sectors, the World Food Programme (WFP) has conducted 58 rapid assessment missions in rural Afghanistan. Preliminary findings highlight persistent malnutrition, indicating a pressing need for food aid in the pre-harvest hunger period. Large-scale food security programming is needed over the long term to reduce the scale of the problem next year and to address severe vulnerability in general. In the meantime, the sale of household assets continues, more children are being pushed into the labour market to support their families, and early marriages are reported to be commonplace. WFP is stepping up efforts to feed about 9 million people until the harvest in July, although the increasing numbers of returning refugees are stretching food aid resources. Overall food pipeline shortages are still a significant issue, forcing a scaling back of ration sizes and reducing WFP's ability to meet urgent needs. Of the $285 million requested to fund its projects in Afghanistan until the end of year, a total of $102 million is still lacking, representing a shortfall of 175,000 tons of food. […]
57. Nutrition assessments undertaken by UNICEF, WFP and non-governmental organization partners in recent months have highlighted high levels of chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among women and children in particular, especially in drought-affected areas. This analysis points to the need for continued targeting of food aid to the most vulnerable populations. During May 2002, the extent of Afghanistan's vulnerability crisis was confirmed in a study conducted by Tufts University. This assessment - the broadest conducted since the recent crisis began - was based on a survey of 1,100 households. It focused attention on the cumulative effects of drought and conflict on the vulnerability and coping strategies of Afghan households. The main finding of the study was that despite recent improvements in the political environment, increased aid and more favourable recent weather patterns, food insecurity and socio-economic vulnerabilities across the country were likely to persist over the next 18 months, requiring continued and substantial emergency programming. A key implication of the report was that conditions were likely to deteriorate further in view of the higher-than-expected numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees returning to vulnerable areas of the country."

Document(s): Open document

02.07.2002 - Source: BBC News

BBC: WFP lacks funding ("UN halts Afghan repatriation") [#8592],  [ID 2338]

"Meanwhile, the repatriation process faces another intractable difficulty - a shortage of cash.

The UN's World Food Programme (WFP), which provides rations to Afghan refugees sheltering abroad, and recently returned Afghans, said on Tuesday it urgently needed $102 million for its Afghanistan programme.

WFP launched an appeal in April to raise $285 million but has so far received only 64% of the target amount.

The United States contributed $116 million, and the European Union, $7.2 million, a WFP statement said, but among Asian and Arab countries, only Japan had made any contribution.

The WFP says it still needs 175,000 tonnes of food worth $102 million for the Afghan refugees, including the million who have recently returned home."

Document(s): Open document

07.06.2002 - Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees

UNHCR: Difficulties with food supply because of almost non-existing reserves, UNHCR needs additional support ("Afghanistan Humanitarian Update No. 62") [#7431],  [ID 2342]

"Nahrungsvorräte sind in Folge einer nun schon vier Jahre andauernden Dürre knapp, und der wirtschaftliche Zusammenbruch hat die Lage noch verschlimmert. Diejenigen Afghanen, die mit Hilfe von UNHCR in den Süden des Landes zurückgekehrt sind, erhalten zur Zeit keinen Weizen, während in anderen Teilen nur ein Drittel der vorgesehenen Ration ausgegeben wird; diese Menschen bekommen Gutscheine, so dass sie ihren Weizen später abholen können."

Document(s): Open document

04.2002 - Source: Solidarités

Solidarités: Report on Food Security Assessment: District of Yakawlang - Bamyan Province ("Food Security Assessment in Afghan Rural Areas: District of Yakawlang - Bamyan Province") [#7989],  [ID 2340]

"• “Area affected by war and drought. The population has harvested only 48% of their annual food needs in wheat in 2001, due to the heavy fighting until December 2001 and the last three years of drought in the area.
• Livestock is a major source of income (5,4 times more than agriculture), especially in areas S2 & S3.
• Emergency programmes enabled the return of the population with a sufficient food security, but the situation remains uncertain for 6 months, until the next harvest in September 2002.
• Population has partially re-capitalised its assets (seeds, livestock, household…) but remains dependant on humanitarian assistance.
• Important part of the population have got debts (mainly in cash and wheat).
• Drought has affected the district in some specific areas such as end and upper part of valleys and high plateau. But it seems that drought will not occur this year."

Document(s): Open document

15.03.2002 - Source: British Agencies Afghanistan Group

British Agencies Afghanistan Group: MSF reports doubling of mortality rates since August 2001; main reason malnutrition ("BAAG Afghanistan Monthly Review; February 2002") [#5987],  [ID 2344]

"MSF reports that mortality rates appear to have doubled since August, drawing on an analysis of two nutritional surveys. The first, undertaken in August 2001 in Faryab province gave an overall mortality rate of 0.6 deaths per 10,000 people per day, with a figure of 1.4 for children under five. The second, undertaken in January 2002, showed that the overall rate had risen to 1.4 and that for children under five to 3.2. 99% of people interviewed from Sar-i-Pul cited lack of food as the reason for their displacement and a report in mid-February showed that, in three districts of southern Sar-i-Pul, no general food distribution had started. Scurvy was said to be in evidence."

Document(s): afg-baag0202.doc

08.03.2002 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Factional fighting and heavy snowfalls limit humanitarian access ("03/2002 - Global IDP-Project: Afghanistan: Humanitarian Access") [ID 2343]

"• Insecurity, involving predominantly banditry and battles between rival warlords, makes it difficult to deliver food and other items to the needy population.
• Routes from Mazar to other locations, such as Hairaton, Jalalabad, south of Qandahar, and south of Herat remain at high risk.
• Security in the southern parts of the central region as well as in Kandahar has improved recently.
• UNOCHA reported that three provinces of the eastern region—Paktia, Khost and Paktika—remained off-limits for humanitarian workers due to insecurity.
• Heavy snows have put remote villages in the mountainous areas out of reach or only accessible by helicopter or donkey."

Document(s): 03/2002 - Global IDP-Project: Afghanistan: Humanitarian Access

03.2002 - Source: Solidarités

Solidarités: Report on Food Security Assessment: District of Shibar - Bamyan Province ("Food Security Assessment in Afghan Rural Areas: District of Shibar - Bamyan Province") [#7990],  [ID 2339]

"• “Area affected by the previous fighting (only in zones S1, S2 & S3) and the drought.
• Emergency programs enabled the return of the population with a sufficient food security situation.
• Strong antagonism between Hazaras and Tajiks.
• Population has still not re-capitalized its assets (seeds, livestock, household…) and remains dependant from humanitarian assistance.
• Livestock is the major source of income (8 times more than agriculture), especially in Tajik areas.
• Drought has affected the main areas of the district."

Document(s): Open document

02.2002 - Source: Solidarités

Solidarités: Report on Food Security Assessment: District of Bamyan - Bamyan Province ("Food Security Assessment in Afghan Rural Areas: District of Bamyan - Bamyan Province") [#7987],  [ID 2341]

"• “Area more affected by war than drought. The population has harvested only 45% of their annual food needs in wheat in 2001, due to the heavy fighting in the area.
• Emergency programmes enabled the return of the population with a sufficient food security, but the situation remains uncertain for 6 months, until the next harvest in September 2002.
• Population has partially re-capitalised its assets (seeds, livestock, household…) but remains dependant on humanitarian assistance.
• Important part of the population have got debts (mainly in cash and wheat).
• Drought has affected the district in some specific areas such as end and upper part of valleys and high plateau. But it seems that drought will not be as dramatic this year."

Document(s): Open document