Hunger and drought threaten Afghan families
Afghanistan is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster - "Even though the Taliban have taken over power, it is important that we do not let the Afghan people down," says Martha Rubiano Skretteberg, Secretary General of Caritas Norway. She recently visited the country.
The views in the central highlands of Afghanistan are spectacular. Snow-capped peaks stretch towards the sky as far as the eye can see. But the hills, pastures and fields are scorched brown, testifying to the worst drought in 27 years. The people are suffering, both because of food shortages, but also because of strict restrictions since the Taliban took power.
Visited Caritas projects
Skretteberg traveled to Afghanistan to see the Caritas network's aid work in food security and education. The trip made a strong impression on her. Decades of war and conflict, combined with drought, pandemic and economic collapse, have led to enormous suffering for the population.
- The development is very serious. People are doing what they can to survive. They eat less often, sell their livestock, take out loans or go on the run. But rising food prices, destroyed crops and high unemployment are making life extremely difficult for them.
Martha skretteberg, secretary general of caritas norway
In a report from CRS from June and July this year, farmers say that wheat yields were 80 percent less than in an average year. Wheat is a key ingredient in the Afghan diet. When people don't have bread to eat, they starve. To survive the food crisis, they must therefore take desperate measures, such as selling off livestock. Many have had to get rid of as much as 90 percent of their livestock, which in the long term will make everyday life even more difficult to get through. Climate change has led to more frequent droughts. Since 2008, Afghanistan has experienced drought every other year, compared to once a decade previously.
- When crops fail and they have to sell off their livestock, not only does this lead to food shortages, but they also lose their income.
Martha skretteberg, secretary general of caritas norway
The severe hunger crisis in Afghanistan means that millions of families will have few opportunities to make it through another cold winter. For the first time, urban and middle-class families are also affected.
More difficult for women
- Since the Taliban returned to power, it has become more difficult for women and girls to access the food, education and vocational training needed to feed their families and move forward in life. One small bright spot in the past year is a decrease in conflicts. This has increased the ability to reach remote villages with humanitarian aid.
Marthe skretteberg, secretary general of caritas norway
Caritas-The network has been present in Afghanistan since the early 2000s and has always prioritized remote locations that receive little support from the central authorities in the country. Here, they assist hunger-stricken families with direct financial support, training in climate-smart agriculture, drought-resistant seeds and fodder for livestock, among other things.
- When farmers are taught new cultivation techniques, they are able to increase their yields despite the drought. It was impressive to see how good the dialogue between Caritas and local leaders was on the transfer of knowledge. Caritas even managed to persuade local leaders to allow women to participate, despite a development that means that women face more and more barriers that prevent them from participating, in school and otherwise in society. We were able to take part in classes run locally by CRS, where the majority of students in the class were girls.
Martha skretteberg, secretary general of caritas norway
- Since the Taliban returned to power, it has become more difficult for women and girls to access the food, education and vocational training needed to feed their families and move forward in life. One small bright spot in the past year is a decrease in conflicts. This has increased the ability to reach remote villages with humanitarian aid.
Martha Skretteberg, Secretary General of Caritas Norway
Caritas-The network has been present in Afghanistan since the early 2000s and has always prioritized remote locations that receive little support from the central authorities in the country. Here, they assist hunger-stricken families with direct financial support, training in climate-smart agriculture, drought-resistant seeds and fodder for livestock, among other things.
- When farmers are taught new cultivation techniques, they are able to increase their yields despite the drought. It was impressive to see how good the dialogue between Caritas and local leaders was on the transfer of knowledge. Caritas even managed to persuade local leaders to allow women to participate, despite a development that means that women face more and more barriers that prevent them from participating, in school and otherwise in society. We were able to take part in classes run locally by CRS, where the majority of students in the class were girls.
Martha skretteberg, secretary general of caritas norway