KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan is facing a severe food security crisis, with around 12.6 million people struggling to access food and 2.9 million on the verge of starvation, according to a new report by the World Bank.
The report, released Thursday, points to economic instability, climate shocks, and disrupted agricultural productivity as key drivers of the crisis, leaving the country struggling to meet basic needs.
The World Bank highlighted climate shocks as a major contributor to food insecurity, stating that these disruptions have significantly impacted Afghanistan’s conflict-affected agricultural economy. “Floods and droughts have disrupted the country’s agriculture cycle, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to maintain productivity,” the bank said.
The World Bank also highlighted that while the world aims to eliminate hunger by 2030, Afghanistan’s challenges paint a different picture of reaching this goal.
Addressing these challenges, the bank says, requires a coordinated approach that integrates economic and environmental solutions. “By leveraging better data systems and embracing forward-looking policies, Afghanistan can pave the way for a more secure and sustainable future,” the bank stated.
Afghanistan has been grappling with severe humanitarian and economic crises for years, even before the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. Since then, conditions have worsened, with more than 23 million people now in need of lifesaving aid.
The country remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters—including earthquakes, floods, and landslides—due to its mountainous terrain and ongoing environmental degradation.
Adding to the crisis, the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan in recent years has further strained resources, as returnees arrive with almost nothing while the Taliban struggles to manage the growing humanitarian needs.
Meanwhile, the U.S., Afghanistan’s largest donor for years, has recently suspended its aid, forcing humanitarian organizations to halt critical assistance to millions in desperate need.
