As the population of Aybak, the capital of Samangan Province, grows and residential areas expand, waste management and garbage collection have become essential needs for the city. Although the Aybak Municipality says it collects household waste according to a schedule, a number of residents complain about delays in garbage collection, bad smells, and environmental pollution. They are calling for more regular services.
Flash floods, soil erosion, and changing rainfall patterns in Panjshir put farmland and farmers’ livelihoods at risk. The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock in Panjshir reports that 11 agricultural infrastructure projects were implemented in Anaba and Abshar districts during the first six months of this year.
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 Asadabad, the capital of Kunar Province, say that expanding construction in recent years has destroyed large areas of greenery in the city. They add that the loss of green areas has contributed to rising temperatures, increased dust, and environmental pollution.
Charikar, the capital of Parwan Province, is one of Afghanistan’s developing cities, where climate change and poor sewage management are raising concerns about residents’ health. Population growth, the expansion of residential areas, and the lack of a proper sewage collection and treatment system have led many residents to dispose of wastewater through soak pits, open drains, and other traditional methods. As water resources decline due to climate change, these practices increase the risk of groundwater pollution and pose further threats to residents’ health.
Salam Watandar’s interviews with 10 families from nine provinces of Afghanistan show that their relatives died over the past two years while trying to reach Iran and Turkey through illegal migration routes. The families say unemployment and economic problems have pushed youth to take dangerous routes, leaving their families facing serious emotional and economic difficulties.
A number of residents of Sawkai District in Kunar say that some families let sewage from their homes flow onto public roads and alleys. They say this situation has polluted the environment and caused health problems for local residents.
A number of farmers in Khost Province say that in recent years, they have obtained the seeds and saplings they need from other provinces. However, some of these seeds and saplings have not produced the desired results in their fields because of differences in weather and environmental conditions.
Faizabad, the capital of Badakhshan province, was once known as one of the relatively clean cities in the country. However, the city is now facing new environmental challenges due to accumulated garbage and poor waste management. Rapid population growth, urban expansion, and a lack of public awareness have put the city at serious risk. Meanwhile, concerns about pollution in the Kokcha River are also increasing.
For years, farmers in Kapisa, Afghanistan, have used their experience to determine when to plant: from September to December for some crops and from May to July for summer crops. They also consider rainfall, soil moisture, and hot and cold weather to determine the right time to work in the field.
The increasing use of social media and online messaging platforms has made communication between people easier. However, some inappropriate behaviors online can cause concern, harassment, and harm to individuals’ rights and privacy.
