UNDP highlights Afghanistan's compound crises and support initiatives for vulnerable populations

The recent press conference held by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighted the dire socio-economic situation in Afghanistan, revealing significant challenges faced by the population. Over the past three months, the Afghan government has struggled to pay salaries for public sector workers, leading to visible increases in hunger and unemployment in major cities like Kabul.

Data presented during the conference indicated a sharp decline in household income and consumption throughout 2024. Formal employment opportunities have diminished across all societal groups, forcing many to rely on informal income sources, casual labor, remittances, and humanitarian aid. Notably, humanitarian assistance was cut by half in 2024 compared to the previous year, dropping from $3.2 billion in 2023 to $1.6 billion.

The situation is further exacerbated by the forced return of over 800,000 Afghans from Pakistan, with projections suggesting an additional 600,000 to 1.5 million will return this year. Many of these families arrive with little more than their belongings, seeking to rebuild their lives in a country they have not lived in for years.

Climate change has also severely impacted Afghanistan, ranking it as the sixth most affected country globally. The UNDP reported that thousands of households have lost their homes, livelihoods, and crops due to natural disasters such as flash floods and droughts. Additionally, around 600,000 former poppy farmers remain without alternative livelihoods three years after a ban on poppy cultivation was introduced.

The report emphasized that Afghanistan is facing a prolonged and complex crisis, with setbacks in previously achieved gains. The UNDP, alongside its partners, is actively addressing these challenges by providing essential community infrastructure, benefiting over 5.9 million Afghans with access to water, irrigation, and health services. They have also supported nearly 100,000 micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, with a significant focus on women-led enterprises, offering financing, training, and marketing support.

Efforts are underway to tackle the critical energy deficit in the country, with initiatives aimed at providing off-grid energy solutions for social services and small businesses. The UNDP continues to support former poppy cultivators in finding alternative sources of income, striving to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.