Consecutive droughts, unusually high temperatures, and water shortages have left orchard owners in Herat struggling with the spread of plant pests and declining crop yields. Orchard owners say that despite repeatedly spraying their orchards and spending large sums on pesticides, plant pests continue to damage their crops.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Afghanistan plans to establish 75 solar-powered greenhouses in the country.
Farah, with its 11 districts, is one of the important agricultural provinces in western Afghanistan. However, differences in climate and declining water resources pose serious challenges for farmers in some parts of the province. This year, rainfall has been better than in previous years, helping increase the production of some crops. However, drought, sandstorms, and falling groundwater levels continue to threaten farmers’ livelihoods.
Afghanistan loses billions of dollars every year because of natural disasters and the consequences of climate change. Forecasts suggest that rainfall and snowfall may increase in the coming months, which could benefit the country’s water resources and agriculture. However, experts warn that without proper preparation, this increased precipitation could cause floods, avalanches, landslides, and serious loss of life and economic damage.
Officials at the Badakhshan Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock say climate change has damaged the province’s pistachio forests, reducing the area of natural pistachio forests from more than 10,000 hectares to just over 4,000 hectares.
Salam Watandar interviewed 29 employed youth aged 21 to 35, including 13 girls and 16 boys, across 12 provinces to assess their financial plans. Among the youth interviewed, 14, including 10 girls and four boys, had invested in small businesses or other economic activities, while the remaining 15, including three girls and 12 boys, had not made any investments.
Unnecessary shopping and impulse buying can affect personal budgets and the financial situation of families. While this behavior is part of everyday life for some women, continuing this behavior can make it difficult for families to cover essential living costs.
A number of residents of Nangarhar Province who work in olive processing say that investment in the olive industry can create job opportunities and help generate income for others.
A number of youth in 10 provinces of Afghanistan say that despite having bank accounts, difficulties accessing cash when needed, problems with ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), and a lack of trust caused by previous unsuccessful experiences with the banking system have led them to prefer keeping their money at home. They say this increases the risk of theft and spending money too quickly, while also making it more difficult to save.
As water resources continue to decline in Afghanistan, some farmers in Farah province say saffron farming can provide them with a source of income because the crop requires less water. They emphasize that their main needs are creating opportunities for saffron cultivation and improving access to the domestic market for the product.
Shilajit is a rare natural substance found in the high-altitude and rugged mountains of Badakhshan. The black substance comes out of rocks and cliffs and, after being collected, cleaned, and processed, is sold in the market. Despite the many difficulties and risks involved in collecting it, many residents of these areas continue to extract and sell it.
In the plains and villages of Faryab, Afghanistan, drought is no longer affecting only farmland. Pastures have decreased, fodder has become more expensive, and extreme heat has made life harder for livestock. For families whose food, income and financial security depend on cattle and sheep, the loss or weakening of livestock means more than losing an asset. It can mean less milk and meat, lost income and greater difficulty providing food for their families.
