Millions of Afghans are facing hunger due to harvest failure caused by too little rains last winter and spring. In response to a request from the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) in June 2006, ACT members - Church World Service-Pakistan/Afghanistan (CWS-P/A), Christian Aid (CA) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) - carried out a rapid assessment on the effects of the drought in seven provinces in north-western, western and central regions of Afghanistan. The assessment revealed that food and water scarcity (both drinking and for irrigation) has severely affected the population. The main sources of water, i.e., rivers, wells, springs and kareezes have either dried up or are drying up in all provinces.

The main economic activities, agriculture and rearing of livestock, have ceased to be sources of sustainable income because of the drought. Rain-fed lands have dried out, and almost no harvest is expected. Lack of irrigation water has in turn resulted in crop failure, food deficiency, no income and no reserved food or money for the coming winter. The frequency and composition of meals has been reduced and malnutrition is generally observed.

Livestock owners are facing a shortage of fodder and water for animals as the grazing lands have dried up. This has resulted in loss of weight and less resilience to disease in the animals and a shortage of livestock products. Other activities such as carpet weaving and labouring work are alternative coping strategies, but these are already over stretched. In most of the districts, alternative job opportunities are not available.

It is feared that in the prevailing conditions no means of livelihood and assets will be left in the hands of the affected. Thus, in the coming winter many people may face food deficits and by next spring will confront difficulties earning livelihoods.

This ASAF61 Appeal includes proposals by two of the ACT members in Afghanistan – Church World Service , Pakistan/Afghanistan (CWS-P/A) and Christian Aid (CA) to assist the most vulnerable and drought affected in provinces where they are already supporting programmes being implemented by their in-country partners. The proposed assistance includes: food packages/food-for-work/training, rehabilitation of water sources, skills training, income generation and livelihood support.

Project Completion Date:
CA - 30 June 2007
CWS (P/A) - 31 December 2007

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested