EUROPEAN UNION STRENGTHENS LIVELIHOODS AND RESILIENCE FOR AFGHAN COMMUNITIES

KABUL – The European Union is reinforcing its long-term commitment to the people of Afghanistan with a EUR 25 million contribution directed through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). This strategic contribution from the European Union will boost community resilience and nutritious diets across Afghanistan.

“The European Union’s new contribution to WFP demonstrates our continued commitment to the Afghan people, notably women, children, and vulnerable local communities,” stressed H.E. Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, EU Chargée d’affaires to Afghanistan. “Agriculture and food value chains must be equipped to bolster Afghan’s nutrition, health, and economic resilience. Through our integrated approach to climate resilience, we are also helping vulnerable rural communities to protect their livelihoods and income against natural disasters and long-term devastating impacts of climate change.”

The investment underscores the EU's dedication to integrated and sustainable solutions, directly supporting WFP’s initiatives on sustainable food value chains and climate adaptation. A key focus is on upgrading community assets that protect against extreme weather, such as flood protection walls and irrigation systems, reducing climate-related risks and safeguarding productive assets essential for economic stability.

Leveraging WFP’s ongoing school meals programmes as a stimulus for local economies, the EU's funding will provide training and create livelihood opportunities for women’s associations and youth entrepreneurs. These local suppliers will, in turn, provide fresh, fortified snacks to schoolchildren.

"We are grateful to the European Union for their strategic investment. This contribution is designed to deliver a triple return on investment: strengthened livelihoods and resilience, more robust local food systems and expanded opportunities for women and youth,” said John Aylieff, WFP Representative and Country Director in Afghanistan. “This partnership underscores the vital role of sustained international support in addressing Afghanistan’s perennial food security and livelihood challenges."

The contribution significantly builds on the EU’s ongoing support for resilience and school meals

programmes in Afghanistan, actively strengthening the local private sector by promoting local procurement and creating strong linkages with humanitarian programmes.

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