Category: Environment

Winter precipitation, a chance to offset consecutive droughts in Faryab

He says: “The majority of land in Faryab province is rain-fed. Unfortunately, previous droughts have had a significant impact on agriculture and on the livelihoods of farmers in the province. Recent snowfall and rainfall can have various positive effects on agricultural land. These benefits depend on the amount and type of precipitation, soil conditions, and the types of crops grown. Such precipitation helps recharge groundwater, increase soil moisture, promote plant growth, and reduce pests and crop diseases.”

Deforestation threatens Badghis’ pistachio trees

“We see in the ‘Pista liq’ of Badghis trees are being cut” says Abdul Khaliq, a local resident. “Every citizen must feel responsible. Even a single leaf is part of our shared wealth.” He adds, “The government should first raise awareness among the people. But if the violations continue, there must be legal punishment.”

Falling groundwater levels affect farmers in Kunduz

“If it doesn’t rain and there is no water—just like last year when the rice crops failed—people in Kunduz didn’t get proper yields. When harvests fail, prices go up. Without water and rainfall, farmers face a tough situation.” He said.

Cold weather and poor facilities hit winter vegetable farming in Parwan

A number of farmers and greenhouse vegetable growers in Bagram district of Parwan, say that winter vegetable production is mostly small-scale and traditional. They explain that the lack of protective facilities has caused them significant losses. Most of their fields are open to the elements, and they face severe cold, repeated frost, and no heating systems, which reduce both the quantity and quality of their crops.

Salam Watandar’s survey on people affected by the Kunar earthquake

On Sunday night, 31 August 2025, a powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, especially Kunar Province. The tremors were also felt in nearby provinces. According to reputable global seismic centers, the earthquake registered 6.0 on the Richter scale, which is relatively rare in Afghanistan’s history of natural disasters. Most districts of Kunar were affected, with the strongest shaking felt in Nurgal, Sawkai, Khas Kunar, and some other districts. This earthquake has been recorded as one of the deadliest in Afghanistan in recent years. As a result, around 2,200 people lost their lives, more than 4,000 were injured, and over 8,000 homes were destroyed.

Afghanistan drought survey: Impacts on farmers’ livelihoods and food security

Provinces like Badghis, Logar, and Kunduz are in an extreme crisis; Faryab and Maidan Wardak are severely affected, while Badakhshan is among the less affected provinces. Geographically, central provinces face high migration and land dryness, Northern provinces experience reduced production, and eastern provinces show limited coping responses.

Salam Watandar’s survey on Kabul residents’ access to drinking water

This survey, conducted with the direct participation of 1,800 families and indirectly covering nearly 15,000 residents across 20 districts of Kabul, reflects the state of groundwater and people’s access to water in the city. The findings paint a worrying picture of the water crisis facing the Afghan capital.

Rehabilitated water supply systems benefit 26,000 Afghans

UNICEF’s Afghanistan office has rebuilt water supply systems in four provinces to provide children and their families with reliable access to clean water.

Red Cross reports 33 million Afghans facing critical water shortage

At least 33 million Afghans are facing a severe water shortage, warned the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) branch in Afghanistan.

Green tea farming in Khost: A new venture for economic growth

A young farmer from the Tani district, Rahmat Wali, has embarked on an innovative venture by introducing green tea plants from India and cultivating them in the district for the first time. This marks a new chapter for Khost’s agricultural landscape, as Rahmat Wali seeks to diversify crops and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

Gardeners in Ghazni seek better tree grafting methods

A number of gardeners in Ghazni say that their fruit harvests have decreased due to their lack of knowledge about standard tree grafting techniques and the absence of proper tools.

Key roads in Bamyan reopened after snowstorm disruptions

Local authorities in Bamyan have reported that the Kabul-Bamyan highway, which had been closed due to heavy snowfall and storms, has now been reopened after three days.