Afghanistan Faces Severe Food Insecurity as Winter Approaches, Warns UN
Nearly 16 million Afghans are facing severe food insecurity, with urgent humanitarian aid needed as winter looms.
Kabul, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the food crisis in Afghanistan, where approximately 16 million people are grappling with severe food insecurity. Of these, 3.4 million individuals are facing emergency levels of hunger, classified as IPC Phase 4. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) shared these alarming figures, cautioning that conditions may worsen as winter approaches.
Olga Cherivko, a spokesperson for OCHA, made this statement following a visit to southern and northeastern Afghanistan. According to local media reports, she highlighted that high unemployment, low incomes, and limited access to essential services are preventing millions of families from acquiring sufficient food.
This warning comes in light of the challenging conditions expected in the coming months. Winter often exacerbates difficulties in finding work and purchasing food. Cherivko noted that years of conflict, economic challenges, drought, and recurring crises have weakened the ability of Afghans to cope with any new shocks or emergencies.
She emphasized that while humanitarian assistance is crucial for saving lives, it cannot replace public services, job opportunities, or sustainable income sources. Cherivko called for increased investment in agriculture, rural livelihoods, local markets, employment, water systems, and health services. She also urged for expanded economic opportunities for women.
Reports from Khama Press indicate that Cherivko appealed to the international community to take action before winter sets in. She warned that aid must reach needy families before their limited resources are completely depleted.
Last week, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) stated that nearly 40% of Afghanistan’s population could face severe food insecurity this winter. They also warned of a significant increase in severe malnutrition cases by 2027.
According to the latest analysis from both UN agencies, between November and April—when food shortages peak—approximately 19.2 million people, or 38% of the population, will experience severe food insecurity. This is an increase from last year’s estimate of 17.4 million during the same period. Among them, around 5 million could face emergency levels of hunger, a figure that has doubled from projections for April to September 2026. Rural areas in Badakhshan, Badghis, Daikundi, Ghor, Samangan, Sar-e-Pol, and Ghazni are expected to be the hardest hit.
The agencies predict a nearly 10% rise in malnutrition cases, potentially reaching 4 million, with a quarter of these cases being severe and life-threatening. Women and children are at the highest risk due to inadequate rescue and treatment facilities.
This crisis has been fueled by multiple factors, including the forced return of over 1.2 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan this year, border restrictions, disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz that have inflated prices of essential goods, and a significant shortfall in humanitarian funding.
Despite a good rainfall this year boosting crop production, many families, especially those who do not cultivate their own food, remain unable to afford nutritious meals due to ongoing unemployment.
