Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), has warned of a severe food crisis in the country.
She described food security as Afghanistan’s most pressing challenge at present.
Referring to the health situation in Afghanistan, Otunbayeva noted that alongside a high birth rate, child and maternal mortality rates have also alarmingly increased.
She stated: “the most important thing right now is to feed the nation. We are trying to mobilize all of the donor community to provide seeds to farmers, not to the Taliban.”
“We must enhance agricultural activities and production in Afghanistan, prioritize increasing exports, and make better use of Afghanistan’s mineral and economic resources so that we are not dependent on foreign aid in the long run,” said Mir Shakir Yaqoubi, an economic affairs analyst.
Poverty, unemployment, the devastating effects of climate change, and the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and Iran are among the challenges that have consistently concerned the international community.
Some Kabul residents say they are facing many difficulties and call on authorities and international organizations to create job opportunities in the country.
“Job opportunities must be available, and companies should exist so that people can sustain their livelihoods. Unfortunately, there are neither factories nor anyone offering us permanent jobs,” said Islamuddin, a resident of Kabul.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy emphasizes the Islamic Emirate’s efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty while calling for continued humanitarian aid from the international community.
Abdul Latif Nazari, the deputy minister of economy, stated: “The Islamic Emirate has launched employment programs and large-scale economic and national projects to address economic challenges and food insecurity. At the same time, we urge the international community to continue assisting the Afghan people.”
Previously, various UN agencies and the World Bank had also warned about escalating food insecurity in Afghanistan, stating that one-third of the country’s population—approximately 12.6 million people—urgently need humanitarian assistance.
