Families struggle for survival in drought-stricken Badghis province
Due to the extremely low rain and snowfall received during the 2017/18 winter season, households in Badghis are facing unprecedented food insecurity coupled with drinking water scarcity. This has worsened an already dire food security situation, where already food insecure households were pinning their hopes on the winter season to provide enough moisture to produce crops that would feed their families during the spring and summer months. However, the drought has not only affected their crops, but without drinking water and grazing fodder, many of their animals have already died and they are forced to sell others at extremely low prices.
The government of Afghanistan declared a drought in mid-April 2018 and requested the international community’s support. According to Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) available data and field observations, lifesaving agriculture and livestock intervention needs are massive across the country.
Among 20 drought affected provinces, Badghis province, where World Vision Afghanistan is working has been ranked as one of the five most food insecure provinces and is facing massive water shortages. Badghis also ranked among the neediest provinces for Non Food Items (NFI) such as shelter items. As per the recent Emergency Response Plan process (ERP), an estimated 406,000 people are affected by the drought in Badghis.