Highlights
Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented influx of returnees and an increased level of insecurity causing unpredictable bursts of displacement. Since January 2017, under its emergency response, WFP has reached over 500,000 individuals with a mix of in-kind food and cash-based transfers assistance. Timely support from the donor community will enable WFP to be more effective in its assistance to vulnerable communities.
An independent Strategic Review is being undertaken to examine how Afghanistan can best achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030. With the guidance of an Advisory Committee and support from WFP, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), consultations have been completed throughout the country and the findings will be shared in the coming months.
Operational Updates
Under the direction of the Lead Convener, His Excellency Hedayat Amin Arsala, an independent Strategic Review (SR) is exploring how Afghanistan can best achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The review team conducted regional and provincial consultations in April and May, focused on receiving inputs from government offices such as the Governor, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, health facilities, national and international non-governmental organizations, provincial council members, and, critically, affected populations. The team collected a range of views, concerns and recommendations related to improving food security and nutrition. Consultations were conducted in 12 provinces, and in each province a total of 30 households were interviewed. The data gathered will now be analysed and will feed into the Strategic Review report.
In its rapid response capacity, WFP Afghanistan has expanded its cash-based transfer programme in 2017, benefiting 100,000 people including returnees, displaced people and cash-for-work participants assisted through vocational skills training. In addition, WFP has already registered 200,000 assisted people in its corporate beneficiary registration and transfer management system, SCOPE. SCOPE will help WFP better manage its humanitarian response to the influx of Afghan returnees from Pakistan, displaced persons and those affected by other emergencies in Afghanistan. WFP Afghanistan uses mobile vulnerability analysis and mapping (mVAM) for post-distribution monitoring and market analysis.
Challenges
The closure of the border with Pakistan last month caused delays in food arrivals. In response, WFP diverted three shipments (1,109 mt of assorted commodities) from Karachi to Bandar Abbas Port in Iran. However, food transportation through this route incurred additional costs for WFP Afghanistan.
The security situation remains fragile, especially in the Eastern Region. There are concerns that reported incidents of clashes along the Jalalabad-Torkham highway may affect humanitarian movements. This has been deemed an essential factor to consider when organizing trips to the Torkham border. Due to the increase in military operations in the Eastern Region, access to operational areas to support Afghan returnees from Pakistan could be impacted.
The large-scale explosion in Kabul on 31 May and subsequent attacks in the capital and other parts of the country forced WFP to have only essential staff report to the office. Other staff worked from home to ensure the continuity of operations.
Impact of Limited Funding
Under its PRRO, WFP has thus far resourced USD 17.7 million and requires USD 50.4 million to implement its planned activities for the next six months (June-November 2017). Under its EMOP, WFP needs USD 18.5 million for the same period to continue the operation.
Without this support, it is estimated that 363,000 returnees, 562,000 displaced persons, and 35,000 refugees will be left without urgently needed assistance. Timely contributions will enable WFP to reach the most vulnerable populations in this challenging period for the country.