EU aid to enhance food security in 3 provinces

KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union (EU) has contributed five million euros in aid to enhance food security and livelihoods through Action Against Hunger in three provinces of Afghanistan.

This aid is allocated to strengthen food security and livelihoods in Badakhshan, Daikundi and Ghor provinces, the EU said in a statement.

It said the assistance will support over 26 000 people and empower local communities for the next three years.

The project will make a difference in the lives of those grappling with malnutrition, food insecurity and scarce resources for farming activities.

The EU-funded project focuses on enhancing agricultural production, cattle and poultry farming and support to micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

The project will also enhance knowledge and skills transfer on farming activities, with a special view to including women and youth.

At the launching the project, EU Charge d'Affaires Raffaella Iodice said: “I very much welcome our new partnership with Action Against Hunger for making a real difference in the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans living in rural areas.

“Enhancing farming skills and practices helps Afghan women and men to be better prepared to face climate-related hazards, generate sustainable income and reduce poverty”.

On the other hand, Action Against Hunger Country Director Vijay Raghavan said: “The project targets three of the most affected provinces -- Daikundi and Badakhshan, both of which have 40 percent of the population suffering from high levels of acute food insecurity -- and Ghor with 45 percent.”

As a result, he said, economic access to and availability of affordable food remained a priority need across the country.

Over 95 percent of Afghans are not getting enough food The project will have a major impact because it addresses structural problems.

It would enable the people benefiting from the project to meet their food needs over the long term and communities to become more resilient to shocks, he hoped.

Earlier, OCHA had warned 23.7 million people in Afghanistan would require humanitarian assistance next year.

“In 2024, 23.7M ppl, 52% of them women & girls, will require humanitarian aid; let’s stand with Afghan women & girls, who are among the most affected.”

kk/mud