URUZGAN, Afghanistan — Shopkeepers and street vendors in Chora district, Uruzgan province, are struggling to make ends meet, often selling goods at prices far below their market value to support their families.
Muzaffar Ali, 63, who sells secondhand items in Chora’s old market, says the dire economic situation has left him no choice but to accept significant losses. “We are a family of nine,” he said. “I swear to God, we haven’t had flour at home for three days. The people in this market are just like me—they have nothing.”
Other vendors share similar stories of desperation. They come to the market each day hoping to earn enough for a meal but often return home empty-handed.
“We’re forced to sell shoes for just 10 or 20 afghanis,” said Mali Khan, another local vendor. “We have no bread at home, and we need to bring something back for our families at night.”
Chora, one of the largest districts in Uruzgan, is grappling with severe economic challenges, including widespread unemployment and a lack of sustainable income opportunities.
The pervasive poverty has drastically affected daily life, leaving families in a constant struggle to survive.
