According to a 2018 World Bank report, roughly 70% of the population of Afghanistan live in rural areas where the majority of livelihoods rely on agriculture and livestock, signaling that large parts of the population of Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable to drought. Drought and its impacts have played a major role in driving needs in Afghanistan. Alongside the triple-dip La Niña event that began at the end of 2020 and continued until 2023, Afghanistan experienced one of the most severe droughts in its history.  

The September 2024 Comparative Drought Analysis provides an in-depth look into the impact of Afghanistan’s prolonged drought. The study, conducted by IMPACT Initiatives via its initiative REACH and endorsed by World Food Programme, focuses on the drought’s effects on water access, food security, and displacement across key regions of Afghanistan. 

Key findings highlight that: 

• The drought has significantly affected households in 2023, with 67% reporting an impact on their livelihoods. This has had a substantial effect on food security, as droughts have damaged agriculture and livestock, leading to increased food prices and reduced consumption. Different drought types (meteorological, agricultural, hydrological) have specific impacts on food security. Additionally, food basket prices correlate with drought conditions, affecting food accessibility. 

• Regions and livelihood zones show varying resilience to drought. Agro-pastoral communities are more resilient compared to those relying on intensive irrigation. Multiple livelihood options enhance community resilience. 

• The drought is a major factor influencing displacement. Approximately 58% of key informants reported drought as the main cause of migration in 2023. Different drought types trigger both immediate and long-term displacement. 

• Prolonged droughts worsen water scarcity, particularly in northern provinces, where many households are increasingly relying on unprotected water sources, which in turn heightens the risk of waterborne diseases. Effective monitoring of surface and groundwater is essential for sustainable water access. 

These findings highlight the importance of nuanced understanding and robust monitoring systems to mitigate drought impacts effectively.  

In particular: 

• Effective drought monitoring should use remote sensing data for timely information on precipitation and water resources.  

• Integrated monitoring systems combining remote sensing and ground-level assessments are crucial. 

• Localized information on drought impacts is vital for addressing community-specific needs. 

Recognizing distinct impacts of different drought types is essential for effective response strategies. 

For a detailed analysis and the full report, click here.