The ongoing drought in Jawzjan province in Afghanistan has inflicted significant hardships on local farmers, as water shortages threaten agricultural yields and livelihoods this year.
The adverse conditions have left farmers grappling with the challenges of reduced water availability and lower crop yields.
Mohammad Eisa, a farmer in Jawzjan, has cultivated more than 10 acres of land with wheat this season.
However, the prevailing water shortage has dampened his expectations, and he anticipates a decline in yields compared to previous years.
“There is a shortage of fodder to feed the cattle and they could die of starvation. People are being forced to migrate due to drought, lack of agricultural and employment [opportunities],” Eisa said.
Raising similar concerns, many other farmers have said that the drought and ensuing water shortage will likely lead to a significant 30 percent reduction in agricultural outputs during the current solar year.
“We face several years of successive drought and people face a shortage of drinking water and water for agriculture; therefore, people face hardship,” said Merajuddin, a farmer.
Afghanistan’s rural communities heavily depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, making the effects of the drought particularly devastating.
However, this year’s agricultural sector has also been plagued by additional challenges, including floods and locust attacks, exacerbating the already dire situation.
