Afghanistan is among the top ten countries hardest hit by extreme weather, facing intensifying droughts, storms, and other natural disasters. Despite low greenhouse gas emissions, Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to climate change and was notably absent from representation at COP27, where a Loss and Damage Fund was established to aid impacted nations.

In Kabul, where water scarcity is severe, many residents wait hours to collect water from private tankers due to limited piped supply. Declining underground water levels force households to drill deeper wells, but even these are unsustainable. A recent UN report found that nearly half of Kabul’s boreholes are dry, with others operating at reduced efficiency.

According to an Amu TV report, Kabul’s worsening water shortage forces residents in areas like Khair Khana to wait hours for water or spend 400-500 Afghanis (about $6-$7) weekly on tanker deliveries—an immense burden in an impoverished economy.

With over two-thirds of the population needing humanitarian aid, climate change has deepened Afghanistan’s crisis. Aid alone is insufficient; Afghanistan needs support for sustainable livelihoods, reforestation, and adaptive strategies to combat climate-driven shocks. To build resilience, the global community must fulfill commitments like the Loss and Damage Fund to aid Afghanistan in developing effective environmental and agricultural strategies, safeguarding its people and future.

Drought and Water Scarcity

Afghanistan recently experienced its worst drought in 30 years, with 25 out of 34 provinces, including Kabul, now facing severe drought. Over 60% of Afghans depend on rain-fed agriculture, and shifts in precipitation patterns have eroded traditional livelihoods, worsening food insecurity and health conditions. Today, groundwater sources in Kabul are drying, with over 49% of boreholes no longer functional, reflecting the dire state of water scarcity.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

Afghanistan’s ecological degradation is widespread, driven by deforestation, desertification, and declining water levels, especially affecting areas around Kabul. Many villages are experiencing crop failure, leading to economic hardship and forced migration. These conditions also drive negative coping mechanisms, such as child labor and marriage.

Health Risks and Urgent Needs

Climate change is accelerating these crises. Afghanistan has faced severe droughts since 2021, driven by irregular snowfall affecting surface water availability and increasing dependency on rapidly depleting groundwater. Flash floods follow these droughts, intensifying the strain on water resources and urban migration.

Health impacts are alarming. Water-related diseases are surging, and unsafe drinking water contributes to rising malnutrition, affecting over 3.2 million children and nearly 1 million women. Efforts like installing solar-powered water systems help, but demand far outpaces supply. Women bearing the burden of household water needs are excessively affected.

Despite urgent needs, Afghanistan remains excluded from international climate discussions and funding, worsening its vulnerability. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend preserving traditional Karez systems and investing in floodwater storage to recharge groundwater and stabilize agriculture.

What health issues are caused by drought and water scarcity?

An in-depth European Climate and Health Observatory study published on 30 Oct 2024 indicates some instant and experienced health issues caused by drought and water scarcity.

Drought and water scarcity worsen health through drinking water shortages, increased disease risks, wildfires, and food insecurity.

These conditions can also worsen other extreme weather events, impacting physical and mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups like farmers and rural communities.

• Health Issues from Drinking Water Shortages
  • Reduced water access limits hygiene, raising the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, skin infections, and foodborne illnesses.
  • Water pollution from untreated sources during scarcity can lead to exposure to heavy metals and pollutants, posing further health risks.
• Waterborne Diseases
  • Drought worsens water quality, encouraging pathogen growth and concentrating pollutants.
  • Low flows and warm temperatures increase cyanobacterial blooms, causing gastrointestinal, liver, and skin issues from contaminated water exposure.
• Vector-Borne Diseases
  • Drought encourages the growth of mosquito populations, heightening the risk of vector-borne diseases like West Nile Virus due to stagnant water and clustering around water sources.
• Wildfire and Air Quality Impacts
  • Dry conditions elevate PM2.5 and PM10 levels, increasing respiratory issues and premature deaths. Wildfire smoke also impacts mental health and respiratory systems.
• Nutritional Impacts
  • Drought affects crop yields, increasing food prices and limiting access to nutritious foods, which can worsen malnutrition, especially among low-income groups.
• Mental Health and Well-Being
  • Drought-induced economic losses affect mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and social isolation, particularly among farmers and communities dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods.

Afghanistan Excluded from Climate Funding and Support

Despite being one of the countries most impacted by climate change, Afghanistan remains largely excluded from international climate talks and funding. Ranked sixth on the Global Climate Risk Index in 2019, Afghanistan lacked official representation at COP27, leaving its climate needs largely unaddressed. Although Afghanistan’s carbon emissions are minimal, the country faces severe climate impacts without access to international adaptation funds.

Experts warn that Afghanistan’s water crisis could worsen without immediate actions like developing and maintaining dams. Reviving traditional systems, such as the Karez water channels, could also support rural communities by reducing water loss and promoting resilience. Collaborating with local communities on water management and raising awareness is essential to help Afghans prepare for future climate challenges.

Solutions for Afghanistan Climate Change and Drought Issues

The UNICEF has solutions for this issue as follows:

Community-Based Water Solutions:

With over 70 years of experience in Afghanistan, UNICEF leads water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts nationwide. We install solar-powered pumps to provide clean water and ensure community-driven water management, placing women and children at the center of solutions.

Empowering Local Councils:

Collaborating with over 30,000 community councils, UNICEF supports local decision-making, focusing on areas where girls face challenges accessing water and sanitation and providing menstrual hygiene support to keep girls in school.

Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Facilities:

UNICEF monitors underground water sources and equips local WASH partners to tackle water scarcity. All facilities are small-scale, solar-powered, and managed by communities to ensure sustainability.

Reaching Vulnerable Populations:

UNICEF’s water and sanitation services reach urban and rural areas, including schools, health centers, and displacement camps. Emergency water supplies are delivered to settlements, offering vital protection against disease and malnutrition.

Inclusive and Accessible Services:

Designed for accessibility, UNICEF’s projects address the needs of children with disabilities and ensure the safety and well-being of girls in all community programs. UNICEF remains a critical provider that no others can reach.

What more solutions do we need?

Here are some practical community solutions to address climate change and drought in Afghanistan:

Water Management:

• Rainwater Harvesting: Implement techniques to collect and store rainwater for later use, such as building small dams, ponds, or underground cisterns.  
• Efficient Irrigation: Adopt water-saving irrigation methods like drip irrigation and sprinkler systems to reduce water usage in agriculture.
• Groundwater Recharge: Promote practices that refill groundwater, like planting trees and minimizing water extraction.  

Sustainable Agriculture:

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Encourage farming practices resilient to climate change, such as agroforestry, crop rotation, and conservation tillage.
• Drought-Tolerant Crops: Introduce drought-resistant crop varieties that require less water to thrive.
• Community Seed Banks: Establish local seed banks to preserve indigenous crop varieties well-adapted to local conditions.

Forestry and Reforestation:

• Afforestation and Reforestation: Plant trees to increase forest cover, which helps regulate water cycles and prevent soil erosion.  
• Community Forestry: Empower communities to manage and protect forests, ensuring sustainable use of forest resources.  

Community Empowerment and Awareness:

• Education and Training: Provide training on climate change adaptation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture practices.  
• Community-Based Organizations: Support local organizations in implementing climate-related projects and mobilizing community participation.
• Women’s Empowerment: Involve women in decision-making and implementing climate change adaptation strategies, as they play a crucial role in managing water resources and food security.  

International Cooperation:

• Climate Finance: Seek international support for climate finance to fund adaptation and mitigation projects.  
• Technology Transfer: Facilitate the transfer of climate-friendly technologies to Afghanistan.
• Knowledge Sharing: Foster knowledge exchange and collaboration with countries facing similar challenges.

By implementing these community-based solutions, Afghanistan can build resilience to climate change and drought, ensuring a sustainable future for its people.

Sources and related content:

• OCHA News
• European Climate and Health Observatory
• Amu TV report
• Prvenetionweb.net