UN: Majority of Afghans face economic shock

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in its seasonal report, highlights the inability of populations to meet basic needs and the resulting droughts as two significant economic shocks in Afghanistan. The report indicates that many families have no income and live on loans.

This newly released FAO report was compiled through direct conversations with thousands of people across Afghanistan. It covers the period from January 24 to February 29 this year.

According to the report’s findings, most Afghans were shocked by the high cost of food and droughts (60% because of high food prices and 58% because of drought). In addition, 10% of people live without any income.

To prepare this report, direct conversations were conducted with approximately 9,500 people in 34 provinces of Afghanistan. The results show that a reduction in income, which limits people’s purchasing capacity, makes families vulnerable to food inflation, particularly those headed by women.

The results also reveal that more than 90% of people faced a reduction in their income and around 60% of those surveyed reported having no income.

The FAO said: “Ten percent of families had no income in the three months preceding the report and were living on savings and loans. »

Since the Taliban took power, the situation has worsened due to oppressive policies that restrict women’s access to education and employment, causing widespread hardship.

The illegal Taliban regime lacks national and international recognition, further isolating Afghanistan and worsening the economic and social crisis.