The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about escalating food insecurity in Afghanistan as winter approaches, with one-quarter of Afghan households at risk of severe food shortages.
The WFP has emphasised that it remains the last hope for these vulnerable families, but to sustain its operations, the organisation requires $680 million in funding.
In its statement, WFP highlighted that in 2024, three-quarters of Afghan households have resorted to taking on debt to purchase food. The average debt per household now stands at $560, reflecting the growing desperation among the population.
The organisation noted that limited resources have turned survival into a daily struggle for millions of Afghans. With the onset of winter, many will face not only harsh living conditions but also critical food shortages.
Despite the challenges, WFP reported that it has delivered cash and food assistance to 10.5 million people across Afghanistan in 2023. These initiatives aim to improve child nutrition, stimulate the local economy, and empower Afghan communities.
According to WFP, Afghanistan is among 22 countries worldwide experiencing a rise in food insecurity.
This warning follows a recent report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which revealed that at least 23 million Afghans are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
