VANCOUVER, CANADA – The European Union announced that it is contributing approximately five million Euros to strengthen food security in three provinces of Afghanistan.
The EU office in Afghanistan said that about five million Euros will be provided to the “Action Against Hunger” organization to enhance food security and livelihoods in the provinces of Badakhshan, Daykundi, and Ghor.
In a statement released by its office in Afghanistan today, March 19, EU said that the assistance will help over 26,000 individuals in rural communities.
The EU office in Afghanistan stated that this assistance will address malnutrition, food insecurity, and a lack of resources for agriculture.
The EU office emphasized that this project focuses on strengthening agricultural production, livestock breeding, and supporting small and medium-sized businesses. The office also stated that this project will increase the transfer of knowledge and skills in agricultural activities, with a special focus on women and youth.
Raffaella Iodice, acting Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Afghanistan, said at the launch ceremony of this project that she welcomes their new collaboration with Action Against Hunger to bring about real change in the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans living in rural areas.
“Enhancing farming skills and practices helps Afghan women and men to be better prepared to face climate-related hazards, generate sustainable income and reduce poverty.”
Vijay Raghavan, Head of the Action Against Hunger office in Afghanistan, said that this project covers three provinces suffering from severe food insecurity. He added that severe food insecurity rates are 40% in Badakhshan and Daykundi provinces and 45% in Ghor province.
On July 11, 2023, the European Union allocated over €5.7 million to support livestock farmers in Afghanistan through the Holland Committee program. This initiative aimed to assist 350,000 vulnerable families and livestock farmers across 16 provinces in protecting their livestock and enhancing food diversity.
According to Ms. Iodice, the EU’s collaboration with the Holland Committee aimd to ensure greater food security for these families while reducing their dependency on international aid.
Following the Taliban’s takeover and economic crisis in the country, as well as severe drought in recent years, food insecurity in Afghanistan has increased significantly.
According to international organizations, “29.2 million people in Afghanistan in need of humanitarian assistance and approximately 15.8 million people in Afghanistan are currently facing acute food insecurity.”
