Salam Watandar’s interviews with 20 women who had independent incomes before becoming unemployed show that, besides covering their personal needs, they also contributed to their families’ expenses. They say unemployment has now pushed all of them toward a shared fate: dependence — a situation the interviewed women describe as difficult and worrying.
A widespread infestation of the Wheat Sunn Pest (kafshak) has caused serious concern among farmers in wheat fields across Faryab Province. Field reports indicate that this year’s outbreak has increased significantly compared to previous years, severely affecting the districts of Pashtun Kot, Almar, Shirin Tagab, Chehel Gazai, Khwaja Namusi, and Qaisar.
In recent years, climate change, as one of Afghanistan’s most serious challenges, has left widespread impacts on the agriculture and livestock sectors. Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and continued droughts have gradually destroyed natural pastures and reduced fodder production — a situation that has seriously threatened the livelihoods of thousands of livestock-raising families, particularly in Kapisa province.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has report that mass returns, climate changes, and aid cuts push Afghanistan further into crisis.
The United Nations says that climate change, economic hardship, and job losses, compounded by rising regional tensions, have driven up prices in Afghanistan and affected food security across the country.
Grafting and propagation through cuttings are considered important and effective methods in agriculture. In Laghman province, these methods are being used to produce improved and resilient saplings from fruit trees and other plants.
Although opium poppy cultivation has been completely banned by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, a number of residents in Badakhshan have turned to cultivating the crop again this year. Some farmers say that the lack of suitable livelihood alternatives and limited employment opportunities have forced them to continue growing opium poppy.
Findings by Salam Watandar from interviews with 30 youth—20 girls and 10 boys—show that having practical skills, in addition to academic qualifications, plays an important role in job selection. Youth who have learned practical skills such as computer use and English are more likely to be employed in related fields. In contrast, youth who lack practical skills are mostly engaged in jobs unrelated to their field of study.
In recent years, the implementation of several projects in Ghazni has increased hope among farmers and livestock farmers. These projects include building greenhouses, setting up poultry farms, dairy production, tailoring programs for women, and conducting educational trainings. These projects are now ongoing in the provincial center and some districts.
Findings by Salam Watandar from interviews with 15 couples on the verge of marriage in Afghanistan show that 11 couples have postponed their wedding ceremonies due to the unprecedented rise in gold prices. In some cases, this crisis has also led to separations and serious family tensions.
The government of Japan, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has announced a new joint initiative titled “Resilient Income Solutions Empowering Alternative Livelihoods” (RISE) aimed at supporting vulnerable communities in Afghanistan.
With the arrival of spring, the flower and plant market has taken on a fresh look, and youth working in this sector report increased sales during this season. Many of them turned to this profession because of their personal interest and the lack of job opportunities. By cultivating different kinds of ornamental plants, they not only beautify the environment but also create a source of income for themselves.
