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EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORT ENABLES MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN AFGHANISTAN TO BECOME MORE RESILIENT AND FOOD SECURE

19.03.2024
Kabul, Afghanistan
Strategic Communications

The European Union and Action Against Hunger (ACF) will support over 26 000 people and empower local communities for the three coming years. The project will make a difference in the lives of those grappling with malnutrition, food insecurity and scarce resources for farming activities.

The European Union provides close to €5 million – an equivalent more than 380 million Afghanis– to Action Against Hunger to enhance food security and livelihoods in Ghor, Daykundi and Badakhshan provinces. The EU-funded project focuses on enhancing agricultural production, cattle and poultry farming and support to micro, small and medium-sized businesses. The project will also enhance knowledge and skills transfer on farming activities, with a special view to include women and youth.

On the occasion of launching the project, EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i. to Afghanistan, Raffaella Iodice, said: “I very much welcome our new partnership with Action Against Hunger for making a real difference 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”.

“The project targets three of the most affected provinces Daykundi and Badakhshan, both of which have 40% of the population suffering from high levels of acute food insecurity, and Ghor with 45% “ explains Vijay Raghavan, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in Afghanistan. “As a result, economic access to and availability of affordable food remains a priority need across the country. Over 95% of Afghans are not getting enough food.  So this project, supported by the European Union, will have a major impact because it addresses structural problems and will enable the people benefiting from the project to meet their food needs over the long term and communities to become more resilient to shocks” comments Vijay Raghavan.

Background

After decades of conflict, natural hazards and chronic poverty, Afghanistan is facing one of the world’s worst socio-economic crises. One in two Afghans lives in poverty, and around 15.8 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity.

The European Union is present on the ground and continues to stand by the Afghan people.  For more than 10 years, the EU has been providing long-term support to agriculture and rural development in Afghanistan.