Category: Soceity

Library shortage; youth in Samangan call for more public libraries

The lack of public libraries in several districts and the shortage of learning resources in Samangan’s provincial center have become one of the serious challenges facing education and the promotion of reading culture. As the need among youth and students for updated books and academic resources continues to increase day by day, limited access to library facilities has made it difficult for many readers to find reliable learning materials.

When others make the decisions; youth under the shadow of judgment

Salam Watandar’s interviews with 33 young people (18 girls and 15 boys) in Kabul and several provinces of Afghanistan show that interference and judgment from others have had a significant impact on their personal choices, education, social relationships, and other aspects of their lives.

Fungal diseases of wheat amid climate change raise concerns among farmers in Kapisa

Fungal diseases of wheat in the fields of Kapisa have raised concerns among farmers. A number of farmers in the province say that, in recent years, changes in rainfall patterns and increased humidity have contributed to the spread of these diseases, causing significant losses to wheat crops.

UN: Over 200,000 people in Afghanistan are affected by climate change annually

The United Nations has said that climate change threatens the lives and livelihoods of people in Afghanistan by reducing crop yields and increasing the frequency of natural disasters.

Declining groundwater levels threaten agriculture and livelihoods in Andkhoy

In recent years, climate change and prolonged droughts have had a significant impact on the lives of people in Andkhoy district of Faryab province. Reduced rainfall and declining groundwater levels have caused many wells to dry up, while agricultural lands are no longer producing the yields they once did.

UN calls for protection of water resources in Afghanistan

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Afghanistan has said that millions of people in the country still lack reliable access to safe drinking water.

High internet costs; a challenge for youth in online education and work

The high cost of internet packages and low-quality service have become major challenges for youth in Kabul. They say that expensive internet packages not only disrupt their online education but also limit their employment opportunities and ability to earn an income in the digital space.

Between regret and hope; the stories of youth in Afghanistan and missed opportunities

“I wish I hadn’t missed that opportunity.” This is a common response among the 31 youth interviewed for this report. They reflect on past choices, missed opportunities, and unfulfilled dreams. Findings from Salam Watandar’s interviews with 16 girls and 15 boys across nine provinces show that education, employment, migration, and marriage are the main areas in which missed opportunities leave lasting regret and, in many cases, contribute to mental health problems.

Yaylaqs in Ghor; a seasonal source of income for livestock owners

The sound of livestock bells, the smell of fresh milk, and the movement of livestock-owning families across the green slopes of Band-e Bayan—this is the Yaylaq (Ailaq) in Ghor Province, a highland grazing area where, with the arrival of spring, many families move their livestock to make use of the pasturelands.

Public transport challenges; rising commuting costs and lost time for youth

A number of students and employed youth in Kabul who use public transportation to commute to educational centers and workplaces complain about the shortage of an organized public transport system. They say this issue has caused them to face various challenges. In interviews with Salam Watandar, they called on the Islamic Emirate to address the problems in the city’s public transportation system.

Youth turn to digital books; easy access, but health and reading challenges

A number of youth interviewed by Salam Watandar say that easy access, lower costs, time savings, and the free availability of digital books (PDFs) have driven them to turn to digital reading.

Consulting together on where to live; a step toward a stronger family

Legal experts, Islamic jurisprudence experts, and religious scholars say that providing suitable shelter is the husband’s responsibility and is considered part of maintenance (nafaqah). They say that consultation and mutual understanding between husband and wife, as well as considering the family’s needs when choosing a place to live, help promote peace, empathy, and a stronger married life.