Afghanistan’s food security situation has shown slight improvements, according to a new report by the World Food Program (WFP), but significant concerns remain as winter approaches.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that nearly a quarter of the population, approximately 11.6 million people, are experiencing crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher). While this figure marks a decline from 15.3 million in 2023, food needs in the country remain alarmingly high.
The WFP attributes the marginal Improvement to extensive humanitarian assistance, which has staved off more severe food shortages. However, the upcoming winter months are expected to exacerbate the situation, with food insecurity projected to affect 14.8 million people—about 32 percent of the population—from November 2024 to March 2025. Contributing factors include persistent unemployment, household debt, low income levels, an influx of returnees from neighboring countries, and fluctuating food prices. The anticipated La Niña conditions in 2025 are also expected to negatively impact agricultural and livestock productivity, underscoring the sustained need for food assistance.
Prepositioning food supplies for winter
To mitigate the impact of harsh winter conditions, the WFP has prepositioned 85 percent of its targeted food supplies, distributing over 52,610 metric tons for 1.5 million people, with nearly half of the wheat flour sourced locally. Provinces known for heavy snowfall, including Badakhshan, Bamyan,
Ghor, and Daikundi, have been prioritized for these efforts. This prepositioning aims to secure food supplies before access to these areas becomes restricted. The distribution efforts are set to be completed by November, and cooperating partners have nearly finalized beneficiary verification.
Alarming malnutrition rates
The report also highlights escalating malnutrition, a severe consequence of funding shortages that have forced the WFP to reduce food assistance and preventive services. By 2025, an estimated 3.5 million children under five and 1.15 million pregnant and breastfeeding women are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition, representing a 28 percent rise in moderately acute malnourished children compared to 2024.
The report says that stunting, which affects long-term health and development, is expected to impact nearly 2.95 million children. Poor diets, inadequate immunization coverage, limited access to health services, and poor water and sanitation conditions are among the key drivers of this crisis.
Impact of morality law on humanitarian operations
The WFP has expressed concern over the new morality law implemented by the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, which has been monitored closely for its impact on humanitarian work, particularly on the participation of Afghan women in aid operations.
The northeast, west, and southern regions have seen increased oversight to enforce compliance, posing challenges to the inclusion of women in the workforce and further restricting their personal freedoms, the report says.
WFP’s response involves prioritizing staff safety, strengthening monitoring measures, and engaging with local authorities to maintain access and support inclusive operations. Despite the mounting difficulties, the WFP continues to emphasize the importance of a multisectoral approach to sustain and expand food and nutrition assistance and avoid reversing recent progress.
The organization currently faces a funding gap of $787 million for its operations from November 2024 to April 2025, highlighting the urgent need for continued international support.
