One million facing food shortfall

Afghanistan is facing levels of vulnerability on an unprecedented scale, according to a report issued on 4 May by the office of the United Nations Coordinator for Afghanistan. The report reveals that there are already signs of starvation in some parts of the country. The report suggests that over a million Afghans will face difficulties in getting enough food to stay alive in the next two to four months. Famine conditions were identified in several districts in the western region, the northeast and in the central highlands. Severe malnutrition among children and famine-related deaths were also recorded. The upcoming resumption of fighting between the Taliban and opposition forces was expected to increase the numbers of newly displaced and re-displace those who had already left their homes. In the year 2000 alone, over 200,000 people were displaced by heavy fighting in the spring and summer. None of them have been able to return home. The report said escalated fighting expected over the next few months would exacerbate the situation. Another contributing factor to the lack of food is the sharp reduction in crop planting due to a water shortage, lack of seeds and because of large-scale displacement. A survey carried out by the World Food Programme (WFP) earlier this year found an exceptionally low level of planting compared to previous years. A crop assessment being prepared jointly by the WFP and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to be issued early next month is expected to provide an accurate picture of the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, farmers in all regions - except the east and the northeast - were found to be losing livestock, many failing to keep even 30 per cent of their sheep and goats, according to the report. In addition, most of the internally displaced people were unable to cultivate their fields this year and the need for increased aid is heightened, with the expectation that they will continue to depend on assistance at least until the middle of 2002. The UN report concluded that “while donors have increased funding, prospects for recovery remain dire unless donors are prepared to rapidly meet the needs for short-term emergency assistance”. The report also called on donors to invest in longer-term interventions, including support for farmers who had given up poppy cultivation as a means of survival. The UN’s annual appeal for Afghanistan, already raised to US $254 million, would be further increased, the report said. For further information go to:http://www.pcpafg.org/Programme/drought/documents/Drought_and_Displacement_in_Afghanistan.shtml