Afghanistan on World Food Day Eve: Economic Crisis and Widespread Hunger

As World Food Day approaches, the economic situation and food security in Afghanistan remain alarming. Three years after the Taliban group’s return to power, the country’s economy faces severe challenges.

According to the World Economics website, Afghanistan’s Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) has decreased by more than six percent from 2020 to 2023. The International Labour Organization reports that the unemployment rate in the country has reached its highest level, with conditions for women becoming significantly more difficult.

The Taliban group’s policies prohibiting women’s employment, combined with the effects of climate change, have deprived many Afghans of work and livelihood. The United Nations estimates that the lack of women’s employment costs the Afghan economy one billion dollars annually.

World Bank reports indicate a sharp decline in people’s purchasing power for food. The Global Hunger Monitoring Organization has warned that by October, nearly 12.4 million Afghans will face food insecurity. The situation for children is also concerning; Save the Children reports that three out of every 10 Afghan children face hunger.

Despite the distribution of $3.8 billion in financial aid since December 2021, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that 23.7 million people in Afghanistan need assistance this year.

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