War and Drought Threaten Afghan Food Supply by: Carlotta Gall

Ashley Tyner


A bad harvest has left small farmers to face hunger. Aid officials warn about an acute food shortage for the up coming winter. More than 1/4 of the Afghan population could suffer. A big cause for this crisis is due to a harsh winter, followed by a drought sweeping through the whole country on top of deteriorating security, accumulated pressure of returning refugees, and of course, the effects from rising food costs.

British Charity Oxfam, conducted a provisional assessment of conditions in the province of Daykondi, a remote area of central Afghanistan, appealed for international assistance before the winter settles in.

By not having enough food, these small farmers would have to go into town to find work. Afghan government along with the U.N. was quick to get an appeal earlier in the year to prevent food shortage as world food prices increased and neighboring countries stopped wheat exports.

Neglecting a lifeline as vital as agriculture has been dangerous for stability as people are unable to feed themselves. Development officials warn that neglecting the poorest provinces can add to instability. People will be pushed to commit crimes or possibly join the insurgency, which usually pays recruits. Afghanistan is said to be one of the poorest countries in the world.