Key Messages
- During the lean season, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes persist in several regions of Afghanistan due to below-average harvest, limited income opportunities, and reduced remittances from Iran. Urban areas face high unemployment rates and food insecurity, exacerbated by an influx of returnees from Pakistan and Iran.
- Average March to May rainfall is expected to improve wheat production and agricultural labor opportunities, enhancing household access to food and income.
- The start of the harvest in June will alleviate food access issues, particularly in northern regions, though Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes may persist in higher elevation areas with low income for food purchases.
- Despite below-average cumulative precipitation from October to February, deficits are declining, supported by late February rainfall. Average precipitation from March to May will further reduce deficits and aid wheat production.
- Forecast high temperatures and below-average snowpack may affect water availability for irrigation in the summer, impacting downstream areas reliant on irrigated crops.
- In January 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) assisted 7.4 million people with emergency food, cash, and nutrition support, with available food stocks indicating assistance through at least April 2024. Ongoing distribution will likely keep beneficiaries at Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) through the lean season.
- Staple food prices in Afghanistan decreased in January 2024 compared to December 2023 and the previous year, attributed to the appreciation of the Afghan Afghani (AFN) and ongoing importation of food commodities from neighboring countries.
Please find full version of article below:
https://fews.net/middle-east-and-asia/afghanistan/food-security-outlook/february-2024#key-messages
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