Update on the state of food security and safety in Afghanistan: A review

Abstract

Food security and safety constitute essential components for the welfare and survival of any sovereign nation. In Afghanistan, food security and safety status remain a pressing concern. Recently, out of 43.4 million population, approximately 14.8 million individuals are experiencing acute food insecurity, with one in three Afghans uncertain about the source of their next meal. Over one-third of the Afghan populace is enduring hunger, which includes more than three million individuals confronting emergency levels of food insecurity. The prevalence of malnutrition is particularly acute within the pediatric population, where around 3.5 million children below the age of five are classified as stunted due to enduring malnourishment. The inadequacy of the healthcare infrastructure and the scarcity of potable water further contribute to the incidence of foodborne diseases. Overall, climatic perturbations, economic stagnation, elevated food prices, unemployment, and displacement constitute the principal factors contributing to food insecurity in Afghanistan. To enhance food security and safety, proposed interventions include strengthening agricultural infrastructure, augmenting farmers' access to credit, advocating for climate-resilient farming practices, and bolstering nutritional and food safety standards. By systematically addressing these challenges, Afghanistan has the potential to enhance the well-being of its populace and foster sustainable development. This paper seeks to elucidate the current landscape of food security and safety in Afghanistan. The analysis will concentrate on discerning the factors contributing to food insecurity, the specific challenges faced by the country, and the initiatives implemented to ameliorate food security. Furthermore, a thorough examination of food safety issues will be conducted, investigating the potential repercussions and the strategies employed to mitigate them.