The World Food Program (WFP) says that the European Union (EU) has contributed 50 million euros to improve the living conditions of the people of Afghanistan. The EU said that they are committed to supporting Afghan citizens who are in need of help now more than ever.
According to officials of the World Food Program, Afghans have experienced unprecedented economic challenges and natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, in the past year. Based on the latest assessment of the WFP, nine out of 10 Afghan families are unable to meet their food needs.
“This is a time of urgent need for Afghanistan. The people reeling from the effects of four decades of conflict, climate hazards, COVID-19 and the social-economic crisis that have deprived people of their jobs and livelihoods across the country in the past year,” said Raffaella Iodice, EU Charge d’ ؤffaires to Afghanistan.
“People who previously were able to put food on the table are now struggling and turning to humanitarian agencies to help steady them in this new reality. We are committed to helping the Afghan population, especially the most vulnerable. Our investment in WFP’s resilience programming is an investment that will have long-lasting, positive effects for local communities,” Iodice added.
According to the WFP, through WFP’s Food Assistance for Assets (FFA) and Food Assistance for Training (FFT) programs, men and women receive monthly food rations or cash assistance while they participate in community asset projects or in skills training courses like fruit and vegetable processing, marketing and backyard gardening.
Since the start of 2022, EU funding has helped WFP reach nearly 427,000 people across 27 out of 34 provinces with such programs.
The WFP statistics show with EU funding, 1.4 million trees were planted, 720 km of canal were constructed or rehabilitated, and 11 km of flood protection walls were built between January and July this year.
“The Afghan people need support in building productive livelihoods more than ever,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Afghanistan Country Director. “We are extraordinary thankful to the EU for this latest contribution. It allows WFP to continue our long-term livelihood and resilience work to help families be better prepared for and withstand environmental and man-made shocks. With skills training, young people and women, who are often the only breadwinners of their families, empowered and have the means to support themselves and their families.”
This comes as recent assessments of the World Food Program say a staggering 9 out of 10 households cannot meet their food needs, with those headed by women particularly vulnerable. The WFP has recently announced that it needs $1.1 billion to provide aids to needy Afghan families during the winter season.
Shukria Kohistani
